TARCISIO BURGNICH

Tarcisio Burgnich (25 April 1939, Ruda, Italy) is an Italian former football manager and player, who played as a defender. Due to his imposing physique, as well as his tenacious style of play, Inter team-mate Armando Picchi (who was the captain and sweeper of the side) gave him the nickname "La Roccia" (The Rock). A versatile player, he was capable of playing in any defensive position, being adept as a right-back, as a centre-back, and also as a sweeper. .

Burgnich played for Udinese, Juventus, Palermo, Internazionale, and Napoli; although he won titles with both Juventus and Napoli, he is best known for his time with Inter Milan, where he was a member of manager Helenio Herrera's iconic Le Grande Inter side. He partnered with the likes of fellow full-back Giacinto Facchetti in the squad's back-line and played a key role in the team's successes in Herrera's defensive catenaccio system winning four Serie A titles, two European Cups, and two Intercontinental Cups.

At international level, Burgnich represented the Italy national football team at the 1960 Summer Olympics, where they finished in fourth place, and at three FIFA World Cups, winning a runners-up medal at the 1970 FIFA World Cup. He was also a member of the national team that won Italy's first ever UEFA European Football Championship on home soil, in 1968.