Comunardo Niccolai (15 December 1946 – 2 July 2024) was an Italian footballer, who played as a defender.

Club career

A tough, physically strong centre-back, Niccolai initially began his career with Torres in 1963, before joining Cagliari Calcio, where he played from 1964 to 1976, winning the only Serie A championship in the club's entire club history in 1970. He ended his career in 1977 with Perugia. Niccolai played 218 Serie A matches, and is still remembered today for his proneness to score own goals, including some very spectacular ones.

International career

Niccolai made three appearances for the Italy national team in 1970, and represented the team at the 1970 FIFA World Cup, where he won a runners-up medal; he only appeared in Italy's opening group match, a 1–0 win against Sweden on 3 June, as he was replaced by Roberto Rosato in the 37th minute, after sustaining an injury which kept him out of the remainder of the tournament. This led his Cagliari coach Manlio Scopigno to declare: "I could expect everything from my life, but to see Niccolai in international telecast".

After retirement

Niccolai worked with the Italian Football Federation as national team scout. He also worked as a youth coach for the Cagliari under-18 side. Niccolai died on 2 July 2024, at the age of 77.

Honours

Cagliari Italy