During Roma’s golden era in the early 1980s, the club nurtured home grown talent and showcased top international stars as it enjoyed a period of unprecedented success. It was a team built around one of the greatest captains the sport has ever seen. But within a decade tragedy would strike. Wayne Girard tells the full story.
There are certain stories in football that transcend the sport itself. Those of heroes, tragedies and sometimes that all-so-special blend of the tragic hero. Those are the best stories, ones which make you feel the joy of life, as well as dread of loss. The ‘contrapposto’ of this story balances like a Bernini sculpture in Villa Borghese.
In fact, it is within Rome’s seven ancient hills that Agostino Di Bartolomei’s journey began. While we know the main themes of ‘Ago’ becoming Roma captain, that penalty shootout, and his premature demise, this story dips into the tumultuous 1970s in Italy and helps us to understand the backbone of Roma in the buildup to its greatest era.
Growing up next to the current ‘Scuola Gladiatori’ in the Garbatella neighborhood couldn’t be more fitting. Three stops on the Metro from the Colosseum, it’s easy to imagine a young Ago knocking the ball around the cobblestones of the working class community, and the lucky day when a Roma scout spots him on a dusty red pitch, far from the verdant green grass he will one day get to play on.
He had that special something, demonstrating his dedication and leadership at a young age by winning the 1972 Primavera Cup. Ago got his first taste of Serie A under Manlio Scopigno in the 1973/74 season aged just 18. The manager was seen as a philosopher of the game, having led Cagliari to their first and only Scudetto, and recognised the young player’s qualities. Ago seized the opportunity by scoring on the first match day of the season against Bologna, and went on to make 23 appearances that season.
After being called up to the first team in the subsequent season, a managerial switch determined that the young player needed some time to grow before returning to the top level. Di Bartolomei spent a year at Lanerossi Vicenza in Serie B, while another future star, Bruno Conti, was also loaned out that season. Their paths would later intertwine amongst the vicoli of Rome.
Back to Rome the following season, Ago became a mainstay for the Giallorossi. He demonstrated a sixth sense for reading the game, matched by a powerful long-range shot that often found the target. It only makes sense that his shot which erupted off his foot like “TNT” coincided with the unification of Roma’s ultras, ‘Commando Ultras Curva Sud,’ and the explosion of their respective pyrotechnics.
The 1980s began with Di Bartolomei being awarded the No.10 shirt, and the legend was born.
His Roma, though, ran several years of mediocre results. History looks fondly upon the squad that would win the 1982/83 Scudetto, but it’s necessary to appreciate the time, effort, and nuance it took to nurture that group’s roots.
Technically astute yet graceful, generally deployed on the deeper side of midfield, it was often his mental composure that allowed his teammates to control the game.
Being the unico constant throughout red and yellow ups and downs, he was honoured with the captain’s armband in the late 1970s. But it was Roma’s manager, the legendary ex-playmaker “Barone” Nils Liedholm who understood Ago’s potential as a natural libero.
The position had become vacant following the departure of Ramon Turone, and it’s likely that the Swedish maestro saw much of himself in the Italian defensive midfielder. Ironically, it was Liedholm who had sent Ago on loan during his first tenure with the Giallorossi, but now he recognised the place for his special characteristics.
“he never moved on the pitch without a reason. His passes were long, and perfect. He always ran with great elegance, with his head up.”
Nils Erik Liedholm
Although spending his best years as a libero would ultimately be the reason he was never called up to the Azzurri – as the position became phased out by the mid 1980s – Ago became known for his protection of the defense and feared for his ability to initiate the attack from deep positions.
The libero position was a perfect match, especially when considering that Roma would soon have Bruno Conti back, along with the Brazilian Paulo Roberto Falcão – widely considered one of the greatest players of all time – and Toninho Cerezo, regarded as one of Brazil’s greatest midfielders. La Magica were on their way to becoming a powerhouse, and Ago was the eyes and brains behind it.
In all, Di Bartolomei would play almost half of his more than 300 appearances while wearing the captain’s armband.
Red cards? Just one.
Respectful, honest, a faithful servant of the ancient empire in manner and demeanour. A talisman, yes, but very different from the influencer-esque footballers we sometimes find today. Introverted, serious, one who never – ever – gave up.
Every match you could hear “Oh, Agostino… Ago, Ago, Ago, Agostino gol!” ringing throughout the terraces.
The Golden Years
The Golden Era really began in the 1979/80 season, as Ago lifted the Coppa Italia after stepping up in the shootout over Torino. It was the club’s first trophy of any kind since 1969. They improved their status in Serie A with a seventh placed finish (most wins since 1974), and in touching distance of third. Roberto Pruzzo banged in goals at will – a lofty but worthy purchase from Genoa the summer before, at a record three billion lira.
While it’s common to hear him recalled as a great regista during this era, there is more to the positional story. To simplify his role as just a deep lying playmaker would diminish his omnipresence on the pitch, which in fact, covered any space left between the centre-backs.
His impact was doubled up by those signature bursts through the offensive third, thanks to his outstanding stamina. This was juxtaposed by a perceived nonchalant movement at certain moments, but the truth was that his zonal comprehension was ahead of its time. Ago was able to move almost methodically into pockets of space in order to conserve energy. He just needed a wingman, or two.
A young Carlo Ancelotti was brought in after helping Parma gain promotion to Serie A, playing either as a winger or trequartista. That Coppa Italia trophy would be the first of four in red and yellow for him.
The following season, Falcão touched down in Europe for the first time, bringing a special samba flare to the side. They were “unfortunate” to lose the Scudetto to Juventus, with a goal incorrectly disallowed in a head to head battle with the Old Lady in Torino.
“The eighth king of Rome” improved on his second season in Italy, in what was perhaps a necessary step backward in order to take two steps forward for Roma. Falcão scored in more than 25% of matches played, while creating an innumerable amount of goal scoring opportunities.
The first time journalist Roberto Chiodi saw Il Divino play, he said: “It’s impossible that anyone can play the way he does. He has two hands in place of his feet.”
At the same time, the career of Bruno Conti, “the mayor of Rome”, was also panning out very nicely. The No.7 became infamous for his sorcery on the wing, with cutbacks, body feints, and scalpel-like runs into the box. Both Ago and Conti were 27-years-of-age, and Falcão just a year older. Heading into the 1982/83 season, they were hitting their prime.
Ago only grew as the undisputed leader and stoical presence that drove the team. It was needed in the darkest moment of the season, when Juventus won the reverse fixture – on top of the first meeting – in March, which brought the Bianconeri within three points of Roma’s title charge. The following match would be just as tricky, as they had to play away from home in Pisa, who had just proved their power by beating Inter Milan at the San Siro.
No doubt, Roma rose above the raucous atmosphere. Di Bartolomei set up the first big chance from out wide, after receiving the deflection from his long-range-throw. Falcão opened up the scoring, then Ago fired a rocket into the back of the net for the decisive goal. He raised both fists to the sky, running to the away supporters with one final pump of authority.
The Roman gods were smiling down on the Giallorossi that day, when Torino made a sudden comeback to draw against Juventus in the Derby della Mole. Roma held a four point lead (a win being worth two points at the time) with three matches to go.
The Old Lady refused to roll over in the subsequent match, but Roma kept pushing with a 2-0 win over Avellino. A giant Scudetto cutout seen floating around the terraces foreshadowed fate.
Falcão scored a free kick more delicately than a master seamstress, and then set up Di Bartolomei at the top of the box for a shot that burst off the captain’s foot. It’s the celebratory scene of that infamous hug between Ago and Ancelotti. Sheer joy in the face of the No.10, eyes closed, hands to the sky and mission just about achieved.
The Scudetto was claimed the following round, when Ago’s cross was converted by Pruzzo over Genoa – confirming Roma’s first Scudetto in over 40 years. Throngs of Roma tifosi invaded the pitch. Imagine those vintage polaroids, the streets shut down with cars and Vespas draped in Roma scarves and flags, honking throughout the entire summer. In the official ceremony, captain Di Bartolomei took the trophy first.
They did the double as well, taking another Coppa Italia.
Poisoned from within
Now it was time to set sights on Europe. Toninho Cerezo, the tall and powerful Brazilian midfielder, was brought in to raise Roma through the glass ceiling and build a dynasty. The same age as Falcão, Toninho had already been a key figure in the Brazilian national team, playing in two World Cups – having grabbed bronze in 1978.
The amount of space he was able to occupy with such a tall frame, he was a hazard in the air as well as on the ground, possessing a skill uncommonly found at his size. But time would show that the center-midfielder was just one plug in many holes of Roma’s hull that season.
Fast forward to the same time next year, and Roma were suffering from a triumvirate of issues – Icarus syndrome, an unwise departure of a necessary player, and pure misfortune.
Pietro Vierchowod then transferred to Sampdoria, after having been so influential in Liedholm’s zonal defensive marking system. He deputized a defence that allowed just 24 goals in the Scudetto-winning season. Lo Zar, once likened to “an animal” from Maradona and a “pitbull” by Francesco Totti, was one of the fastest players in the world, known for his decisiveness in challenges and superb reading of the game. Vierchowod’s omission forced Liedholm to change his defensive tactics. His move away from the club was a massive mistake for Roma, akin to removing the bottom block in Jenga.
Ultimately, the team gained their third Coppa Italia trophy in five years, reaffirming the idea that Roma had indeed built something special. But as with the fall of many great empires, the demise of this one came from within.
Roma drew at Juventus in December, missing their chance to reclaim first place, but the worst news was that Ancelotti suffered a season-ending knee injury. They’d ride second place until the end, leaving many points on the table with only sporadic wins. Roma fans would rue those draws against Ascoli, Avellino and Catania so late into the season.
Chasing European Glory
But Roma had steamrolled European competition, almost all the way until the very end. That road to the European Cup final almost came to an abrupt end in the first leg of the semi-final against Dundee United. They trailed 2-0 at the end of it, with the Scottish team all over them.
Dundee United midfielder Billy Kirkwood later recalled: “They didn’t like our shitty wee stadium.”
In the return leg at the Stadio Olimpico, Dundee United approached the match thinking they had already won – a foolish consideration when looking back on that night’s roster which included Tancredi, Falcão (who had just returned from injury), Conti, Pruzzo and Di Bartolomei as starters.
The captain scored the decisive goal to settle the tie, following Pruzzo’s first half double. Aldo Maldera, though, received a yellow card that ruled him out of the final – his stamina and grinta were to be sorely missed.
1984 European Cup final – Roma v Liverpool
“A mild summer evening,’ the commentator remarked. A beautiful, almost too perfect day that was illuminated by sunshine, was about to be eclipsed.
Roma played in white, but darkness was going to prevail.
Di Bartolomei put in a man-of-the-match performance, directing as per usual. His elegance and class shone throughout the game, converting every difficult ball and raising the hairs on Liverpool’s back every time he looked up for the penetrating ball.
Ago is recorded as saying Liverpool was “the game of his life” in front of his tifosi. In the final he was undeniably the best player on the pitch – every action by the Giallorossi had flowed through him, conducting more swift and expressive movements than Tchaikovsky. On that pitch, that night, the bandiera played its finest hour.
How should the match have ended? With Di Bartolomei lifting the trophy in front of the Curva Sud.
What actually happened? Liverpool’s Phil Neal scored the first goal after a clear foul on keeper Franco Tancredi.
You could hear the shock in the British commentator’s voice: “and it’s given!” An outrageous no-call for the foul against Roman keeper Franco Tancredi, with the deflection converted by the Reds.
Scandalous!
Roma had a quick comeback after Di Bartolomei played a beautiful long pass down to the deep left flank. Conti, who had been infinitely finding the ball, crossed it in for Pruzzo with his opposite foot, and the striker’s flick sailed over the Reds’ keeper. Without Maldera, Ancelotti, and a half-fit Falcão, Ago’s Roma were just about hanging in.
Conti had a few decent efforts in extra time, reminiscent of his World Cup form. With both teams going for it, they were exhausted by the time the referee blew the dooming whistle for penalties.
It was an immediate advantage to Roma, as Steve Nicol’s attempt went way high. Di Bartolomei’s shot left, his foot like a comet, hitting it from a standstill.
Conti’s head fell to his hands, as he watched his shot sail over the crossbar. The air in the stadium popped like a balloon, and when Graziani missed his shot, Roma were doomed by Alan Kennedy.
The fallout from the final was immense. Falcão‘s unusual lacklustre performance in the final was due to the knee troubles which kept him out of the first leg in Dundee. His physical issue worsened the following season, playing just four matches, and saw his contract terminated when seeking unauthorized medical help in New York.
Liedholm moved to Milan and Sven-Goran Eriksson took over as boss. But Liedholm was more than a coach to Roma, he was the body that mobilised its soul.
We can only speculate as to why Di Bartolomei was sold to Milan in the summer of 1984 – after 15 years with Roma – but one thing that’s certain is that the captain did not want to be there. Even as he followed Liedholm, the boss who knew him best was replaced by Fabio Capello, and then Arrigo Sacchi in 1987 (Milan and Ancelotti would win Serie A that season). From then on, Ago spent a year at Cesena, before his last two as captain of Salernitana, and then retiring.
“I Can’t See a Way Out.”
Ago was suffering from clinical depression. This was compounded by financial troubles including a failed mortgage and football school. These plans were damaged by bureaucratic delays, the bank refusing his loan, and perhaps one eye on who the next general manager of Roma would be (former referee Agnolin was chosen shortly before).
Then on the morning of May 30th, 1994, exactly ten years to the day from that loss against Liverpool, Agostino Di Bartolomei went out onto his balcony in San Marco di Castellabate, took his .38 Smith & Wesson, and shot himself in the heart.
The suicide letter addressed to his wife attested to his love for his family, but felt unable to escape his perceived reality:
…My big mistake was that I tried to be independent from everything, that I wasn’t able to say no to my family about anything, that I bought that land in Franco-Giovanni instead of trying to go to work in Rome. There isn’t a penny that has passed through my hands that hasn’t been used for our family.
“I adore you and I adore our wonderful boys, but I can’t see the way out of the tunnel.”
Antonello Venditti’s “Tradimento e Perdono” was later dedicated to him. You may know him as the writer/singer of “Roma, Roma.”
It’s difficult to accept as a fan, but even more so as a human being when someone takes their own life. We wish we could have helped them, to show them the right way of thinking. The most important thing is to have empathy, for if someone made that choice, they truly saw no way out of that tunnel. And that, is horrible.
Every now and then a mural of Di Bartolomei pops up in Rome. Social media remembers him through posts and quick one-liner reminders of the captain who took his own life. But, as we now know, or have been reminded, there is so much more to the story.
Ago was undoubtedly one of the biggest inspirations to ever exist to a team, because he led with such a delicate balance of courage, grace, and grinta.
He, along with his teammates, were able to achieve something special for the club and city. We know how that final should have ended, and the club’s second Scudetto will forever be one of the most fond memories.
A brilliant chapter of Italian football, with its own tragic hero, who not even Bernini could imagine crafting.