Lazio edge Campobasso in relegation clash
Not a great performance but an important win, however it was “arrivederci” and not “addio” to the Molisani…
Also on this day: March 29, 1986, Lazio Catania 1-0. A stunning volley by the prolific Lazio striker lifts the Biancocelesti to mid-table. Player of the day: Francesco Dell'Anno
The season so far
The previous season had been disappointing. Lazio had finished 11th under Gigi Simoni and at one point even flirted with relegation.
In the early summer Lazio brought in a new manager, Eugenio Fascetti, and several good players to boost their new promotion push: keeper Giuliano Terraneo (Milan), defender Angelo Gregucci (Alessandria), midfielders Antonio Acerbis (Pescara), Giancarlo Camolese (Alessandria) and Gabriele Pin (Juventus) to name a few. In the autumn session Lazio had signed defender Raimondo Marino (Napoli) and forward Paolo Mandelli (Inter-on loan).
Leaving were defenders Fabio Calcaterra (Inter-end of loan), Roberto Galbiati (Fiorentina), Arcadio Spinozzi (Reggina), midfielders, legendary title winner Vincenzo D’Amico (Ternana- after 338 games for Lazio), Fortunato Torrisi (Ternana), Claudio Vinazzani (retired due to match fixing ban) plus forwards Paolo Di Canio (Ternana-on loan) and Oliviero Garlini (Inter).
The promotion dream however was already shattered in the late summer. Lazio player Claudio Vinazzani was accused of being involved in the "Totonero-bis" match fixing scandal. On August 6 Lazio were sentenced to relegation to Serie C. The owners, the Calleri brothers, risked giving up and 8,000 fans caused urban warfare under the Football Federation headquarters. The players, already in pre-season training in Gubbio decided to stay on for now, awaiting the final CAF verdict (the appeal).
On August 26 the appeal court changed the verdict to a lighter nine-point docking in the following season's Serie B. It was still a harsh sentence with two points per victory and especially considering the scant evidence against Lazio, but it meant survival and some hope for the future.
So, Lazio started the season at -9 points. The main priority now was survival.
After a hesitant start Lazio gathered steam and at one point even looked as if they could join the promotion battle. Then the stress of the handicap start and the necessity to push early on began to take its toll and Lazio had started to struggle in the second part of the season.
After the first 19 fixtures Lazio had conquered 24 points, so were on 15, in 16th place (without the handicap they would have been 2nd). In the last six however the Biancocelesti had won 2, drawn 1 and lost 3. A week earlier they had lost 0-1 at Catania. Lazio were currently 16th, so out of the drop zone but only one point ahead of Campobasso and Sambenedettese, two ahead of Taranto and four of Cagliari. Today’s game against Campobasso was obviously of crucial importance.
In Coppa Italia, in August/September, Lazio had got through the first-round group stage of Coppa Italia. The Biancocelesti had won 2 (SPAL 2-0 and Taranto 5-0, both at home), drawn 2 (Vicenza 1-1 and Cesena 0-0, both away) and lost 1 (Napoli 0-2 at home). In February, Lazio had then played Juventus away in the first leg of the round of 16 and surprisingly held the Bianconeri to a 0-0 draw. The return game in Rome would be on April 8.
Campobasso had finished 9th the previous season, under manager Bruno Mazzia. The Molisani had lost one and drawn one against Lazio. Top scorer was Roberto Russo with 6 league goals while, former Lazio, Claudio Vagheggi had got 5.
This season the Rossoblu had started with Swedish manager Tord Grip but after 19 games he had been replaced by Giampiero Vitali. They also had former Lazio defender Paolo Pochesci in the squad this year.
Things were not going well for Campobasso. They were in 17th position, on 19 points, so in the drop zone but only one point behind Lazio. The Molisani had won 4, drawn 11 and lost 10 (including Lazio 0-1). Top scorer was Vagheggi with 8 goals.
It doesn't t take a mathematician to understand the importance of today's game.
The match: Sunday, March 29, 1997, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
A mild but overcast day saw 25,000 gather at the Olimpico.
Lazio were without Antonio Elia Acerbis and Fabio Poli but the Molisani were worse off and were missing Carmine Della Pietra, Franco Baldini, Mario Goretti and Marco Maestripieri.
The game started with a huge chance for the visitors inside the first minute. Angelo Gregucci hesitated and was dispossessed at the edge of the box by Claudio Vagheggi who moved forward and teed up an unmarked Carlo Perrone but he pulled the ball just wide of the far post.
After the scare Lazio had an even bigger chance to go in front. In the 4th minute the Biancocelesti were awarded a penalty for a foul on Giorgio Magnocavallo by Luca Evangelisti. The specialist Gabriele Podavini stepped up but sent a lame and central shot which the keeper saved.
In the 6th minute the Lupi threatened again with Vagheggi's lightning pace, he beat the offside trap but was tackled at the last moment by Vincenzo Esposito.
The game settled into a regular pattern. Lazio constantly occupied the Rossoblu half and the visitors looked for openings on the break. Lazio however had difficulties building momentum, badly missing Fabio Poli's inventiveness while Paolo Mandelli was having an off day. They did however have two dangerous headers just off target.
It was a defender who broke the deadlock. In the 34th minute Lazio had a corner, it was cleared but only as far as Raimondo Marino who hammered it in from the edge of the box. Halftime Lazio 1 Campobasso 0.
Lazio leading but definitely not having one of their better performances.
The second half saw the Molisani push forward for an equaliser. Lazio were unable to take control of the game and instead sat back to protect their slender advantage.
For the visitors Perrone threatened a couple of times but for all their pressure they never forced Giuliano Terraneo into any really difficult saves.
If anything, it was Lazio who went closest in the 72nd minute but a Podavini lob towards an empty goal was cleared near the line by Paolo Pochesci.
Lazio defended until the end and clinched the two points. It was not pretty but effective. Campobasso felt a bit hard done by and probably deserved a point for their efforts.
As it was, Lazio moved up to 14th, on 22 points with Catania and three above Campobasso and the drop zone. The situation seemingly looked rosy for Lazio but little did they know the real drama was yet to come including a final epic clash against today's opposition in July.
Who played for Lazio
Terraneo, Podavini, Filisetti, Esposito, Gregucci, Marino, Caso (79' Camolese), Magnocavallo, Fiorini, Pin, Mandelli (65' Rizzolo)
Manager: Fascetti
Who played for Campobasso
Bianchi, Parpiglia, Pochesci, Pivotto, Accardi (52' Mauti), Lupo, Evangelisti, Anzivino, Vagheggi, Perrone, Boito (77' Russo)
Substitutes: Picca, Migliaccio, Boron
Manager: Vitali
Referee: Novi
Goals: 34' Marino
What happened next
Lazio’s season turned out to be dramatic. They were unable to keep up their pace and faded physically and mentally. From today on they struggled, winning only 2 games, drawing 5 and losing 4.
Lazio thus arrived at the last game of the season against Vicenza at home in a desperate situation. The table read Cagliari 26 (down), Lazio 31, Taranto 31, Catania 32, Vicenza 32, Campobasso 32 (for 4 relegations). On June 21, 1987, came possibly the most dramatic match in Lazio's history. In this last game nothing but a win would avoid relegation to Serie C and even that may not have been enough. A record crowd of 70,000 witnessed Lazio beat Vicenza 1-0 with a Giuliano Fiorini goal seven minutes from time. Catania lost, Campobasso drew and Taranto won.
Lazio had avoided relegation ... for now. Next up was a three-team playoff in Naples to decide the last unlucky loser. The other two teams were Taranto and Campobasso.
On June 27, Lazio lost 0-1 to Taranto with a goal, probably in offside, by Antonio De Vitis. 25,000 Lazio fans came back disappointed but would be back with one last chance, Lazio had to beat Campobasso. The table read Taranto 3 (safe), Campobasso 1, Lazio 0 (Taranto and Campobasso had drawn).
On July 5 Lazio managed to beat Campobasso with a Fabio Poli winner in the 53rd minute. Lazio were safe after an incredible season. The Biancocelesti had survived the drop but possibly also as a club.
Top scorer was Fiorini with 9 (7 in B) while Mandelli got 6. In Coppa Italia, Lazio lost the return leg to Juventus 0-2.
The "minus nine" gang became heroes for life. They are one of the most popular teams in Lazio's 124-year history. A year later Eugenio Fascetti and many of this team would take Lazio back to Serie A. It is the 1986-87 season however which is best remembered.
Lazio have never been back in Serie B and have since won both domestic and European trophies but without the heroes of Lazio's 86-87 season history could have been very different. "I ragazzi dei -9" are immortal and are revered as much if not more than the star-studded trophy lifting teams that followed. "Grazie ragazzi".
Campobasso as mentioned went down after the dramatic playoffs in Naples. In the last 12 league games the "Lupi" (Wolves) won 5, drew 4 and lost 3 but it was not enough. The draw against Taranto and the defeat to Poli's winner against Lazio in Naples then condemned them to C1. Top scorer was Claudio Vagheggi with 10 league goals.
So, it was Serie A for Pescara, Pisa and Cesena while Serie C beckoned for Campobasso, Vicenza, Catania and Cagliari. More importantly Lazio survived!
Lazio 1986-87
Competition | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals scored |
Serie B | 40 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 36 |
Coppa Italia | 7 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 8 |
Total | 47 | 17 | 17 | 13 | 44 |
Top Five Appearances
Players | Total | Serie B | Serie B playoffs | Coppa Italia |
Caso | 47 | 38 | 2 | 7 |
Pin | 45 | 38 | 2 | 5 |
Terraneo | 45 | 38 | 2 | 5 |
Acerbis | 44 | 37 | 2 | 5 |
Podavini | 40 | 33 | 1 | 6 |
Top Five goal scorers
Players | Total | Serie B | Serie B playoffs | Coppa Italia |
Fiorini | 9 | 7 | - | 2 |
Mandelli | 6 | 6 | - | - |
Poli | 6 | 4 | 1 | - |
Podavini | 5 | 3 | - | 2 |
Marino | 3 | 3 | - | - |
Acerbis | 3 | 2 | - | 1 |
Caso | 3 | 3 | - | - |
Let's talk about Giancarlo Camolese
Giancarlo Camolese was born in Turin, on February 25, 1961.
His first team was local San Mauro before joining Torino's youth set up.
In 1978-79 he was added to the first team squad under Gigi Radice but he did not make his debut for the Granata who finished 4th in Serie A. His teammates included, Lazio connections, Giuliano Terraneo (1986-87) and Giuseppe Greco (1980-81).
In 1979-80 he joined nearby Biellese in C1. The manager was first Roberto Gori and then Guido Capello and the "Lanieri" were relegated. Camolese played 25 league games.
In 1980 he joined Reggina in C1. He stayed two seasons, playing 53 league games with 1 goal and the Amaranto finished 4th and 10th. His managers were Adriano Buffoni and Gaetano Salvemimini.
In 1982 he returned to Piedmont and joined Alessandria in C2. He stayed four seasons. The Grigi finished 5th, 3rd, 3rd (lost promotion playoff) and 3rd again. He played 125 league games and scored 5 goals. In the first year his managers were, former Lazio player, Gian Piero Ghio (1968-70) and then Amilcare Ferretti, in the second Ferretti, Natalino Fossati and then Antonio Colombo, in the third Alberto Mari and then Carlo Tagnin (Lazio player 1958-59) and then still Tagnin in his last. In his second and third year the president was Gianmarco Calleri, later to become Lazio president (1986-92). Camolese's teammates included future Lazio Angelo Gregucci (1986-93) and Eugenio Sgarbossa (1986).
In 1986 Camolese joined Lazio in Serie B. The Biancocelesti were supposed to push for promotion but then received a nine-point docking for one of their player's involvement in the "Totonero bis" match fixing scandal. The manager was Eugenio Fascetti and Lazio managed to stay up after a dramatic season. They scored seven minutes from time in the last game of the season against Vicenza to force a three-team playoff with Campobasso and Taranto in Naples. Lazio lost to Taranto but then beat the Molisani with a Fabio Poli goal. Lazio survived and the players have been revered ever since. Camolese played 24 league games plus the 2 playoff games and 3 in Coppa Italia.
The following year was finally time to go for promotion. Lazio were successful with a 3rd place finish. Camolese played 20 league games and 5 in Coppa Italia.
After these two intense years in the capital he joined Padova in Serie B. He stayed two seasons, finishing 14th and 11th. The manager was, his former Reggina boss, Adriano Buffoni in the first season and then Enzo Ferrari (1-14) and Mario Colautti in the second. He played 65 league games for the Patavini. His teammates included, former Lazio, Giuseppe Galderisi (1987-88). Other interesting players in the squad were Angelo Di Livio (future Juventus and 40 Italy caps), Antonio Benarrivo (future Parma and 23 Italy caps), Giovanni Piacentini (future Roma), Alberto Cavasin (future manager of Fiorentina, Sampdoria and Leyton Orient...amongst others).
In 1990 Camolese joined Vicenza in Serie C1. The manager was first Giuseppe Caramanno (1-22) and then Antonio Pasinato (23-34) and the "Lane" finished 10th. He played 26 league games with 1 goal (Venezia).
In 1991 he joined Taranto in Serie B. The Ionici finished 16th and stayed up after a playoff...again, this time beating Casertana 2-1 after extra-time. The managers were Walter Nicoletti (1-10) and Giampiero Vitali (11-38). His teammates included, former Lazio, Ciro Muro (1987-89).
In 1992-93 he spent another season with the Rossoblu but it was a bad year to put it mildly. The Tarantini got relegated and then went bust. The manager was first Vitali (1-6) and then Giuseppe Caramanno (7-38). Camolese then left Puglia after 32 league games over the two seasons.
He played two more seasons with Saviglianese (Cuneo-Piedmont) at amateur level in Promozione (6th tier) and then Eccellenza (5th tier). He then retired at 34.
He went straight into coaching starting where he finished, at Saviglianese in the youth sector.
In 1996-97 he was assistant manager to Mauro Sandreani and then Lido Vieri at Torino in Serie B. Toro finished 9th. Until March 18 the president was Gianmarco Calleri (Lazio player 1962-63 and president 1986-1992, it was he who signed Paul Gascoigne).
In 1997, from August to October, he was manager of Torino with Graeme Souness as Technical Director. Future Lazio manager Edy Reja (2010-12, 2014) then took over and the Granata finished 5th, losing the promotion playoff to Perugia on penalties.
From 1998-99 he was assistant to Emiliano Mondonico at Torino, culminating in promotion to Serie A. The promotion squad included, former Lazio, Mauro Bonomi (1992-95) and Roberto Bacci (1990-95).
In 1999-2000 he was in charge of Torino Primavera (U19's).
In 2000 he became Torino manager proper after 8 games taking over from Gigi Simoni but back in Serie B. The Granata finished 1st and were promoted. His squad included Giorgio Venturin (Lazio 1994-95 and 1996-99) and Giovanni Lopez (Lazio 1997-98).
In 2001-02 he stayed with Toro and finished 11th. Standout results were drawing the derby 3-3 after being 3-0 down at halftime and defeating Milan 1-0.
In 2002-2003 he started with Torino but was sacked in October after 5 winless league games (D1, L4). The Granata were eventually relegated.
In November 2003 he took over from Franco Colomba at Reggina in Serie A. The Amaranto finished 13th.
In 2005-06 he was manager of Vicenza in Serie B. The Berici finished 16th. His squad included Federico Crovari (Lazio 1998-99).
In 2006-07 he continued with Vicenza but was sacked in September after 5 league games and Angelo Gregucci took over (Lazio 1986-1993). Vicenza finished 10th.
In October 2007 he took over from Fernando Orsi (Lazio 1982-85, 1989-98) with Livorno in Serie A. His debut was a 0-1 home defeat to Lazio and he himself was then replaced by Orsi in April, after 6 wins, 10 draws and 12 defeats, leaving the "Triglie" (Mullets) in 20th and last position, three points from safety. Livorno ended up relegated.
In March 2009 he replaced Walter Novellino at Torino in A for the last 9 games. He won 3, drew 1 and lost 5 but Toro were relegated.
In October 2012 he took charge of Pro Vercelli in Serie B. After 13 league matches however (W2, D2 and L9) he was replaced in December by Maurizio Braghin. The "Leoni" were relegated.
In October 2015 he took over at Chiasso in the Swiss Challenge League (2nd tier) and the Rossoblu finished 7th.
In 2002 between training jobs he found the time to graduate in Sports Motor Sciences. In fact, he now lectures at SUISM University in Torino and also teaches at the coaching classes at the Technical sector for future managers at the Coverciano FIGC Federation headquarters.
He has also done punditry for RAI and from 2007 has collaborated with Mediaset as technical commentator for Italy games and Coppa Italia.
Camolese was a midfielder. At 1.68 and 67 kilos he was a hard-battling ball winner. He excelled in tackling and regaining possession. He was not a technical player but a useful team player.
He never played in Serie A and his peak was at Lazio. He is part of one of the most popular teams in Lazio's 124-year history, the -9 heroes of 1986-87. The following year he also contributed to Lazio's promotion back to Serie A. He played 54 games for Lazio.
As a manager his peak was winning promotion to Serie A with Torino in 2001.
Lazio Career
Season | Total appearances | Serie B | Coppa Italia |
1986-87 | 29 | 26 | 3 |
1987-88 | 25 | 20 | 5 |
Jun-Sep 1988 | 3 | - | 3 |
Total | 57 | 46 | 11 |
Sources
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