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AltafiniFootball player
Country:
 Italy |
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Biography of Jose Joao Altahini
Jose Joao Altahini, known by his nickname "Mazzola," was a talented Brazilian football player who had a successful career in Italy. Born in Piracicaba, a city in the state of Sao Paulo, Altahini was noticed by football scouts at a young age and signed a contract with the club Palmeiras when he was just 18 years old. He quickly became the team's main forward and gained praise from the press for his exceptional abilities and natural goal-scoring talent.
Early Career
Altahini's playing style and appearance drew comparisons to the legendary Italian footballer Valentino Mazzola, who tragically died in an airplane crash with the Torino team. Due to these similarities, Altahini acquired the nickname "Mazzola," which gradually replaced his real surname in newspaper reports. He embraced this comparison and was flattered by the recognition.
International Career
At the age of 19, Altahini received his first call-up to the Brazilian national team for a friendly match against Portugal in June 1957. Although his performance in the national team received mixed reviews, Altahini's talent earned him a place in the squad for the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden. However, he did not play a significant role in the tournament and was eventually replaced by the rising star Pele.
Italian Success
After the World Cup, Altahini signed a lucrative contract with AC Milan. To show respect for Valentino Mazzola's family, the club requested that Altahini drop his nickname. Thus, he became known as Altahini once again. In his first season with Milan, Altahini scored his first goals in Italy's Serie A league. He finished the season with 28 goals, but was outscored by Angelo Angelillo of Roma, who scored 33 goals. Despite this, Altahini helped Milan win the league title, a feat he would repeat three years later.
Legacy
Altahini was known for his performances against strong opponents and had notable matches against Inter Milan and Juventus, where he scored multiple goals. He also obtained Italian citizenship in 1961, which facilitated his inclusion in the Italian national team. Altahini made his debut for Italy in a World Cup qualifying match against Israel, scoring a crucial goal in a comeback victory. He continued to impress, scoring goals against France and Belgium in international matches.
However, Altahini's second World Cup experience in 1962 was disappointing. After Italy's loss to Chile in the first match, Altahini was dropped from the squad and did not play any further matches. Despite this setback, Altahini left a lasting impact on Italian football. He scored a total of 216 goals in Serie A, placing him third on the all-time top scorers list. His goalscoring record in the European Cup also remains unmatched, with 14 goals in the 1962-1963 season.
Altahini's longevity as a forward was remarkable, playing and scoring goals until the age of 38. His skill, persistence, and dedication made him a revered figure in Italian football.
