Scudetto 1958/59

It was the season following the 1958 World Cup held in Sweden. AC Milan’s squad included World Cup runner-up Nils Liedholm and world champion José Altafini, even if the latter had missed out on the final in Stockholm. José Altafini, otherwise known as ‘Mazzola’, had all the characteristics to quickly become an idol at San Siro, and this is what happened. Bonizzoni and Viani were in charge of the team. Speaking of Bonizzoni, his account of Gianni Rivera’s trial at Linate would become famous: “From distance, we weren’t able to distinguish between Schiaffino and the young Rivera…”

With captain Liedholm a big presence at the back, Buffon in goal, Fontana and Zagatti as the full-backs, Maldini and Occhetta holding things steady in midfield alongside the playmaker Schiaffino, and a dangerous attack consisting of Danova, Galli, Altafini and Grillo, AC Milan won their seventh league title after an intense battle with Fiorentina. The team’s 3-1 victory over the Viola at the Comunale on matchday 27 was crucial. AC Milan found the net 84 times in the league, 28 of which were bagged by top scorer Altafini.