In 1948 the Italian championship had opened its doors again to foreigners. The controversy of the century for those that lead to internationalization came to Milan and was no longer an issue in Italy anymore. It was not easy for a foreigner to be bought by an Italian team, but on the other hand the echoes of war were still recent and even national teams found it difficult to arrange a friendly game, without the perception of a stranger or enemy in Italy.
Nonetheless, Milan had set their sights on Danish striker Johannes Ploger, but Juventus had also put in a bid for him. The Rossoneri executives had taken proactive steps and travelled to Denmark to make him sign a preliminary contract. Giannotti, being the main Rossoneri representative in the Scandinavian country, had convinced Ploger to take a train to Milan. However, an interesting twist occurred on the ride over, as Ploger encountered a Juventus manager in the company of another Danish player Hansen, who already was a member of the bianconeri. The manager had set up an offer to outbid Milan and promising the moon and stars to convince Ploger to join Juventus. Milan executives soon found out and protested the “theft” of their player, but Juventus denied having done any wrongdoing. This evidently created a further rift between Milan and Juventus, But despite having been robbed by Juventus, it would lead to Milan’s purchase of the great Gunnar Nordahl (see here on why he is considered the number one striker for Milan), who would go on to make history for the Rossoneri.
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