Almost forty years have passed since Juventus lifted the Intercontinental Cup in Tokyo. On 8 December 1985, the Bianconeri defeated Argentinos Juniors 4–2 on penalties, with Stefano Tacconi as the hero after saving two spot-kicks. Today, the former Juventus goalkeeper looked back in an interview with Calciomercato on that unforgettable night and on his extraordinary journey since then.
“I’ve Won Another Penalty Shootout”
“How am I? Better,” Tacconi said with a smile. “I’m down to just two physiotherapy sessions a week now. I barely remember anything about the stroke or the coma — it’s like I won another penalty shootout, or at least I hope so. Next goal: to walk without the cane. Even Platini has been teasing me about it.”
“Platini Took the Mick”
Tacconi laughed as he recalled a recent reunion at the Continassa training centre: “A few days ago we gathered there — the 1985 Bianconeri — for a photo in front of the Heysel memorial. When Michel saw me, Cabrini and Brio arrive, all with walking sticks because Antonio and Sergio had knee surgery, he said: ‘Guys, what a rubbish team… how on earth did we win everything with this lot?’”
Tokyo Memories
Asked how Juventus managed to triumph in Tokyo, Tacconi’s answer was simple but heartfelt. “We were the strongest team in a game still full of humanity, and we were hungry — desperately hungry. In those days a 20-year-old footballer didn’t have a million in the bank and headphones on all the time. Today they kiss the badge but have already signed for another club.”
Then came his most revealing confession. “We were under huge pressure, all of us. Two days before the match, I went out looking for company — and let’s just say I was very satisfied. On the pitch, I ended up being the most relaxed of them all.”
He also remembered Platini’s disallowed goal in that final. “It was perfectly fine, completely legitimate. But the referee’s whistle turned out to be my good fortune — otherwise I’d never have become the hero of that final.”
“I Was Sure I’d Save Them”
Tacconi explained how preparation played its part. “I was certain I’d stop those penalties. Trap’s assistant, Romolo Bizzotto, gave me the tape of the Libertadores final, which also went to penalties. I studied every single kick from the Argentinos Juniors players. They had no chance of fooling me.”
The National Team and Modern Juventus
When asked whether he felt he got what he deserved from football, Tacconi didn’t hide his feelings. “No, I deserved more from the national team. I won everything at club level, while Zenga didn’t win much at all. But those rivalries? They were just for show. We used to say, ‘Hey, it’s been a week without anyone talking about us — let’s stir something up.’ And the journalists fell for it every time.”
“What I Miss Most”
“What do I miss? Getting on the team bus before matches, that adrenaline before walking into the stadium. And then, a good glass of wine and a proper cigarette — those little things.”
Looking at Juventus today, Tacconi remains hopeful. “Yes, Juve will come back — but it takes patience. I say that to the fans, and I’m one of them. The trip to Napoli will be crucial, but Spalletti is clever. When we met him with the team the other day, he looked at the lads and said: ‘If you can give even five per cent of what these men gave, I’ll be happy.’”
