Fabrizio Ravanelli has looked back on his storied career across Juventus, Middlesbrough, Marseille and Lazio, recalling the defining moments that shaped his journey both on and off the pitch.
The former striker revisited the unforgettable 1996 Champions League final in Rome, when Juventus defeated Ajax on penalties to lift Europe’s top prize.
“The goal I scored in that final was something I had studied and imagined,” Ravanelli explained to La Gazzetta dello Sport. “It turned out to be more difficult than expected. Ajax were so confident in possession that the chance came from pressing them — I took it between Frank de Boer and Van der Sar. They were the strongest team around, but that night we became the greatest Juventus side of all time. We would have beaten the Roman Empire — our personality, spirit and generosity were unmatched. We trained so hard that I saw teammates vomiting from exhaustion. It was something unique.”
Vialli’s Influence
Ravanelli also shared a fond memory of the late Gianluca Vialli, his teammate and friend, recalling a heartfelt moment before the final.
“In the dressing room Gianluca told me that if we didn’t win, he’d have to go into hiding because he couldn’t bear another defeat after losing with Sampdoria at Wembley. That joke actually calmed me down. He was the most selfless and elegant man in the squad.”
Drawing a parallel with modern football, Ravanelli suggested that Juventus youngster Kenan Yildiz embodies those same values.
“He has all those qualities — talent, generosity, and total dedication to the cause. That kind of commitment is rare and deserves to be valued. Spalletti reminds me a bit of Lippi, but he also has something of Trapattoni in him.”
The Boniperti Connection
The striker recalled his first contact with Juventus, sparked by a remarkable phone call from club legend Giampiero Boniperti.
“It all started with a call to my uncle — our number wasn’t even listed back then. I was playing for Perugia at the time. Boniperti called personally. We went to the club, and I signed for three seasons. Later, after injuring my shoulder, I went back for a check-up and ended up signing a five-year deal.”
One of Ravanelli’s fondest memories involved an unexpected gesture from Boniperti himself.
“Before an Inter–Juventus match, Boniperti came into the dressing room to motivate us. I complimented him on his brown suit. Two days later, I was called into the office without knowing why — they had arranged for me to get the exact same suit. The same colour, same fabric. I’ll never forget that.”
Life in England
Ravanelli’s move to Middlesbrough in 1996 brought both cultural surprises and valuable lessons.
“I should never have left Juventus — I still regret it. My time at Middlesbrough was rewarding, both professionally, with 34 goals, and personally, because it broadened my horizons. But it was another world. On my first night out with teammates, there was a pub brawl after a friendly with Inter — punches and kicks flying everywhere. The next morning, training as if nothing had happened. I made my debut with a hat-trick against Liverpool; after the first goal, fans covered their heads with their shirts — that’s how they celebrated.”
The Marseille Spirit
Reflecting on his time in France, Ravanelli spoke warmly about his bond with Marseille supporters.
“There was a huge poster of me facing up to PSG’s Ducrocq — I didn’t even know about it! It moved me. The fans saw in me a symbol of commitment and passion, and that spirit has always defined me.”
Pio Esposito’s Parallels
He closed by noting similarities between himself and young Juventus forward Pio Esposito.
“I see myself in him. I probably used to run a bit more, but the way he shields the ball reminds me of how I played.
