11

Pierino

Prati

The hat-trick scored against Cruijff’s Ajax in the European Champion Clubs’ Cup final in 1969 perfectly summarizes Pierino Prati’s complete repertoire: a header, a powerful shot from outside the penalty area and an opportunistic goal after a masterful action of Gianni Rivera. He started playing football in AC Milan’s youth sector and was given his first-team debut by Nereo Rocco, who made him the striker of a very talented team. During his time with the Rossoneri he scored 102 goals and won in addition to the most prestigious European trophy a Serie A title, an Intercontinental Cup, three Coppe Italias and two European Cup Winners’ Cups.