Luigi Boccolini was born in Porto Recanati (Macerata), on August 11, 1946.
As a youngster he played in the Portorecanati youth teams followed by a brief period with Inter's Primavera (U19's) in 1966.
He then returned to Le Marche and played for Portorecanati, then known as Adriatica, in Serie D in 1966-67.
In 1967 he travelled down the Adriatic coast and joined Pescara in Serie C. In his first season he only played two league games and the "Delfini" finished 7th while in his second he played 29 league games and they finished 13th.
In 1969 he moved even further down the coast and joined Brindisi in Serie C. He stayed two seasons, playing 43 league games and scoring 3 goals. The Biancazzurri finished 2nd and 3rd, so going close to promotion (this would come a year later).
In 1971 he went inland and joined Matera in Basilicata. The "Bue" (The Ox) was in Serie C. He stayed a first full season finishing 10th while in the following he left in the autumn. He played 30 league games with 5 goals in Lucania.
In the autumn of 1973 he returned to Brindisi, now in Serie B. He stayed three seasons. His first manager was Luis Vinicio and the Adriatici finished 7th. His teammates included former Lazio keeper, Rosario Di Vincenzo. In his second season he had three different managers: Gianni Di Marzio, Raffaele Pierini and Egizio Rubini;Brindisi finished 17th. In his last season two managers alternated, first Antonio Renna, Giovanni Invernizzi and then Renna again, leading the Biancazzurri to a 14th place. In his three years in Brindisi, Boccolini played 95 league games with 9 goals. The best was his last with 8 goals and he was also captain. His teammates included a young Vincenzo Chiarenza (Lazio 1981-82).
In 1975-76 Boccolini made the jump to Serie A and joined Napoli. Here he found former manager Vinicio, at least until June. The Partenopei had a good season finishing 5th and winning the Coppa Italia (with the duo Delfrati-Rivellino on the bench) beating Verona 4-0 in the final. Boccolini played 28 league games with 2 goals (a winner against Lazio, Juventus) and 6 in Coppa Italia with 1 goal (Milan).
In 1976-77 he joined Catanzaro in Serie A. "Le Aquile del Sud" (The Eagles of the South) had Gianni Di Marzio as manager and finished 15th and were relegated. The Giallorossi's best results were beating Milan 1-0 at home and Lazio 1-0 away. Boccolini played 22 league games. One of his teammates was future Sir Claudio Ranieri.
In 1977-78 he joined Lazio. In Rome he again found Vinicio as manager, at least until six matches from the end when he was replaced by Bob Lovati. Lazio finished 10th, the Biancocelesti's best results were beating Juventus 3-0, Milan 2-0, Inter 1-0, all at home while both derbies were draws. Boccolini played 10 league games with 1 goal (Milan), 3 games in Coppa Italia and 1 game in the UEFA Cup.
In 1978-79 he went all the way down the Appia Antica and returned to Brindisi again. The "Messapici" were now in C2 and managed by Alfredo Zecca and finished 10th. The following season Boccolini stayed and, under Mario Zurlini, Brindisi finished 3rd. In his two seasons he played 45 league games with 4 goals.
His last club was again in Puglia and again in C2, Squinzano (Lecce). In 1980-81 the Salentini finished 8th and Boccolini played 27 league games.
Then at almost 35 he retired but stayed in the football world and became a manager.
He started in Puglia in 1981 with Pro Italia Galatina for two years at "Interregionale" level (5th tier). There followed two seasons at Ostuni and then another at Galatina (both in 5th tier) where he won his first promotion to C2.
In 1986 he returned to Brindisi in C1 and finished 11th. He then spent a season at Martina (Martina Franca) in C2 finishing 7th and then returned to Galatina for two seasons.
In 1990-91 he was at Sporting Benevento in Interregionale (5th tier) finishing 1st but losing promotion playoff to Juve Stabia.
In 1991 to 1993 he was at Castel di Sangro in C2. He performed no "miracle" and the "Castello" finished 7th and 4th.
From 1993 to 1995 he was back at Benevento in Interregionale. The "Streghe" (The Sorcerers) finished 1st (promoted to C2) and then 3rd (lost in playoffs).
From 1995 to 1997 he was back in Salento with Tricase at amateur level and in 1997 won promotion to C2.
He stayed in Salento and from 1997 to 1999 was at Nardò. In his first year the "Toro" were promoted to C2 and then finished 12th.
In 1999 he returned to Martina for two years in Serie D. The Itriani finished 3rd and 1st (promoted to C2).
In 2001 he went back to Brindisi again, in Serie D. The Biancazzurri finished 1st and won promotion to C2. He stayed on the following year and finished 2nd (then losing semi-final playoff).
In 2003-2004 he was at Vigor Lamezia (Lamezia Terme-Calabria) in Serie D. The Biancoverdi finished 2nd but won promotion via the playoffs.
From 2004 to 2006 he was at Real Marcianise (Caserta) in Serie D. The Giallorossoverdi finished 1st (promoted to C2) and then 9th the following year.
In 2006-07 he was manager at Aversa Normanna in Serie D. The Normanni finished 2nd (lost playoff) but won the Serie D Coppa Italia. The following year he was replaced during the season.
In 2008-09 he was at Gaeta (Latina) in Serie D. The Biancorossi finished 4th and lost in the playoffs.
In 2009-10 he returned to Real Marcianise in Lega Pro Prima Divisione (3rd tier - old C1) and finished 12th.
In 2010-11 he went to Sambenedettese in Serie D and the "Samba" finished 11th.
In 2011 he went back to Brindisi in Serie D but resigned in November.
In 2013 he went to Fermana in Serie D but was soon replaced.
At this point at 67 he decided to retire. As a manager he had won eight promotions and the Coppa Italia (Serie D). A successful career in the provinces and lower divisions, away from the glamour of Serie A.
As a player he was a midfielder. He was a skilful left footer who had good technique. He played 60 games in Serie A with 3 goals. At Lazio he only stayed one season, playing 17 games in total and contributing with a goal in Lazio's 2-0 win over Milan.
Lazio Career
Season | Appearances (goals) | Serie A | Coppa Italia | UEFA Cup | Intertoto Cup |
1977-78 | 17 (1) | 10 (1) | 3 | 1 | 3 |
Sources
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