Altafini
Having a vague resemblance to the Torino champion Valentino Mazzola (died in the Superga tragedy of May 1949), was the eighteen year old Jose Altafini. Hence the nickname “Brazilian Mazzola.” The Milan management scouted him in the summer of 1958 in Brazil. He was purchased at a premium due to the young striker having won a World Cup in Sweden. His national-level scoring gave Brazil two goals in his debut game against Austria. The nickname came straight out of Brazil, wherein the headquarters of Piracicaba, the club he previously played for, had a poster of the Torino team. With the poster on the wall and Altafini standing next to it, others had noticed his resemblance to Mazzola. Altafini drew the attention of the Rossoneri’s management not only from his two goals at the Scandinavian World Cup, but also for his skillful play exhibited in the Brazilian national team in a friendly match played against Inter.
Mazzola
It was not easy to acquire Altafini, but Milan was willing to do whatever it took, whereas hesitating too long would have meant leaving ample time to other clubs such as Roma, that for a moment seemed close to signing a deal with him. Altafini played for the Rossoneri for seven seasons (1958-1965), played 205 games and scored 120 goals. Among his trophies with the Rossoneri: one European Cup and two scudetti (Serie A championships). However, his love story with Milan ended abruptly when he left to play for Napoli and then eventually Juventus. In Serie A he is considered the fourth best scorer overall with 216 goals, behind top greats such as Nordahl, Totti and Piola. Coincidentally is also considered the 4th Best Striker for Milan as well. See our list here.
***Worth watching*** A brief portrayal of Altafini at the Brazilian World Cup can be found in the movie Pele: Birth of a Legend.
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