Napoli legend Antonio Juliano dies aged 80

Antonio Juliano, a legendary figure in Napoli’s history, has sadly passed away at the age of 80 today.

The former playmaker, who made over 500 appearances across all competitions for the Partenopei from 1962 to 1978, died at hospital today after coming down with an illness.

Known for his technical abilities, leadership skills and professionalism, Juliano won a Coppa Italia, an Anglo-Italian League Cup and a Coppa delle Alpi with Napoli across his 16-year period at the club. He netted 26 goals in 394 league games before closing out his career with a one-year spell at Bologna.

Juliano was also a decorated international, making 18 caps for Italy from 1966 to 1974, helping the club win the European Championship in 1968 and finish second in the World Cup in 1970.

After hanging up his boots, Juliano returned to Napoli in a management role, acting as a sporting director. He helped sign stars like Ruud Krol from Vancouver Whitecaps and Diego Maradona from Barcelona.