The rivalry between two Italian cycling legend, Fausto Coppi (“Il Campionissimo-champion of champions) and Gino Bartali was not limited to cycling. Football was the second popular sport after cycling, in post-war Italy.
In January 14, 1950, two football teams containing only professional cyclists, played an exhibition match in Milan. Team captains were Coppi and Bartali.
Coppi’s team played with the formation of 5-3-2. The center forward was Fiorenzo Magni, who became later “The Lion of Flanders”. Coppi played as right wing forward.
The result was: Coppi’s team won 6-0 over Bartali’s team. Coppi scored the last goal.
I am a software developer, a former road racing cyclist (at the amateur level) and a science enthusiast. Also an animal lover! I write about cycling on this website, cycling-passion.com. You can check out my social media profiles by clicking on their icons.
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