José Altafini, the 86-year-old former striker, vividly recalled his experiences playing for both AC Milan and Napoli in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. Despite his busy schedule, Altafini took the time to share his memories of the iconic Milan-Napoli matches, speaking with a lively spirit that reflects his enduring love for the game.
Altafini arrived at Milan in 1958, fresh off a World Cup victory with Brazil. He reflects on his debut against Triestina and his second match against Napoli at the Vomero stadium: “I arrived in 1958, with the World Cup title, even though I had played little. That year, Pelé exploded. I was twenty years old; I played the first against Triestina and the second in Naples. It was a beautiful and challenging stadium; it wasn’t easy to win. We managed it: 1-0, goal from my fellow 1938-born teammate Danova. They called him ‘Panther.’ I didn’t score, but in the return at San Siro, my friends…”
He then enthusiastically describes a memorable 6-1 victory over Napoli at San Siro, where he scored two goals. “We won six to one. Six, I say! And I scored two. Then two from Grillo, my Argentine friend. Then Danova and Bean. No, Liedholm didn’t score; he had an own goal. We were a powerhouse: there was Nils [Liedholm], Schiaffino, Cesare Maldini. A lot of great players; we won the Scudetto.”
Comparing his experiences at both clubs, Altafini reflects, “In Milan, I won everything, even the first European Cup, and I had fun except for the last year. In Napoli, I had a blast but won very little. However, my friend Sivori and I arrived when the team had just come up from Serie B, and we finished third. Not bad! We also won a little cup—the Coppa delle Alpi. Not much, but don’t throw it away.”
He fondly remembers his time at Napoli under coach Bruno Pesaola: “A wonder! El Petisso was the coach. I even played against him in my first game at Vomero. He was a great connoisseur of football and footballers.”
Regarding his departure from Milan, Altafini explains, “The last year… only that last year with that story I don’t want to recount. Let’s say Gipo Viani sent me away; he put me on the market and I went to Napoli.” When asked if he would have stayed at Milan otherwise, he replies confidently, “Of course! They sold me because it wasn’t possible to continue that way.”
In total, Altafini scored four goals against Napoli while playing for Milan: “After the double on my debut, I scored two more at San Paolo: once we won 2-1 and another time 5-1. When I scored, Milan always won.”
He also recalls his experience playing for Napoli: “Unfortunately! The first year, 1965-66, in our fifth match we went to San Siro and lost four-nil. Oh, something I can’t describe! Rivera scored two goals and flattened us. I scored our only goal at 1-4.”
Altafini reminisces about his teammates at Milan: “Amarildo arrived like me at Milan as a World Cup champion in 1962. I have a beautiful memory of him; he was an amazing striker but came during a difficult time under Riva’s management. Amarildo was talented but had a difficult character. Angelo Sormani was good and intelligent; he wasn’t very fast but played for the team.”
After spending seven years each at Milan and Napoli before moving to Juventus, Altafini explains why he left San Paolo: “Because my contract expired. Other teams wanted me: Fiorentina, Roma, Sampdoria, and Juve. I went to Juve because I wanted to play in the European Cup again; I stayed there for four years.”
Reflecting on his time in Napoli brings him joy: “I have wonderful memories of Naples—especially my wife! We had a great time there.” However, he admits with some regret that he has not maintained football-related connections with either Napoli or Juventus.
As for Milan? Altafini smiles as he concludes: “With Milan? Those relationships have never been interrupted.” He firmly believes that both Milan and Napoli will continue to provide spectacle in their matches: “They will always put on a show; they will fight for the Scudetto and go to the Champions League.”
