Italian football in the fifties was in full swing, just like Italy’s economy. There were many of the local home-grown (not just foreign star) players on the rise that gave back to the sport. But the really talented players did not shine until the time of Valentino Mazzola, and those that tragically died in the Superga crash. On May 1959 the year of Milan’s seventh scudetto, the last one for President Rizzoli, gave way to many superstars and some of those provided for the National team. Like other teams, Milan played some friendlies to make sure they kept their rhythm and stride up.
Rivera with Alessandria
On May 14th, a friendly that was organized against an AC Milan’s satellite team called the Dopolavoro del Gruppo Sportivo Rizzoli di Milano presented three soon-to-be star players, among them was a young Gianni Rivera. The strong impression that Rivera gave was incredible as he played alongside Schiaffino. There was a slight difference between the South American “champion” players on the Milan side against the young Piedmontese, his talent was seen as similar, if not equal. Immediately after that game, Gipo Viani rushed to the phone and called Rizzoli to talk with Alessandria, the team at which Rivera belonged to, and the request was put through to bring him over to Milan. The day after Rivera agreed to join the Rossoneri, but played the rest of the remaining season with Alessandria. It would be the last of the golden years for Alessandria, finding themselves eventually being relegated and dropping down to Serie C over the next following years.
Rivera with AC Milan
Soon enough, the official signing was made June 2nd of 1959, and Rivera found himself playing in Serie A but still with Alessandria in a game against Inter resulting in a 1-1 draw. Rivera did not yet join the ranks of the Rossoneri for another year as they wanted his talent to mature. Meanwhile, ironic fate on September 20th 1959, would give way to the opening games for the Serie A championship with none other than Alessandria playing against Milan.
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