Giovanni Lodetti (10 August 1942 – 22 September 2023) was an Italian professional footballer who played as a midfielder. A hard-working player, he usually supported his more creative teammates defensively, excelling as a defensive midfielder due to his stamina and his ability to read the game. Despite his supporting role in midfield, he also possessed good technique and creativity, as well as an eye for goal, which also saw him participate in his teams attacking moves.

Club career

Lodetti is mostly remembered for his time as a defensive midfielder with Italian club Milan, with which he achieved great domestic and international success in the 60s alongside playmaker Gianni Rivera, winning two Serie A titles (the first during his debut season), a Coppa Italia, two European Cups, a Cup Winners' Cup, and an Intercontinental Cup. He later also played for Sampdoria, Foggia, and Novara, before retiring in 1978.

International career

Lodetti also represented the Italy national side at the 1966 World Cup in England, where they were eliminated in the first round. He was also a member of the Italy national squad at the UEFA Euro 1968 victorious campaign on home soil. Although he was set to participate in the 1970 World Cup, in which Italy reached the final, he was dropped at the last minute due to an injury to Anastasi, which led manager Ferruccio Valcareggi to call up Roberto Boninsegna and Pierino Prati in his place. In total he represented his national team 17 times between 1964 and 1968, scoring two goals. He also represented the under-21 side in their victorious campaign at the 1963 Mediterranean games.

Death

Giovanni Lodetti died on 22 September 2023, at the age of 81.

Honours

AC Milan Italy Individual