Evaristo Beccalossi

The Maestro of Milan

Evaristo Beccalossi, affectionately known as 'Becca,' began his professional football journey in 1972 with his hometown club, Brescia. Even in those early days, his natural talent as a midfielder was evident, foreshadowing the brilliant career that lay ahead.

An Inter Legend is Born

By 1978, Beccalossi made the pivotal move to Inter Milan, where he would truly capture the hearts of fans and forge his legacy. He quickly became a beloved figure, spending the majority of his most impactful years with the Nerazzurri until 1984.

Wearing the iconic number 10 shirt, Beccalossi commanded the midfield, making 216 appearances and scoring 37 goals for Inter. He embodied the creative spirit expected of such a legendary jersey, dazzling crowds with his play.

Championship Glory

His time at Inter was not just about individual brilliance; it was also marked by significant team success. Beccalossi played a crucial role in securing a Serie A Championship for Inter in the 1979–80 season, where he netted seven goals. He also helped the team clinch the Coppa Italia in 1981–82.

Perhaps one of his most enduring partnerships was formed with prolific centre-forward Alessandro Altobelli. Having played together at Brescia, their chemistry blossomed at Inter, creating one of Serie A's most formidable offensive duos from the late 1970s to mid-1980s, supported by defensive stalwarts like Gianpiero Marini, Gabriele Oriali, and Giuseppe Baresi.

Post-Inter Chapters

In 1984, Beccalossi embarked on a new chapter, joining Sampdoria for a season. His impact was immediate, helping the team secure another Coppa Italia title in 1984–85 and achieving a respectable fourth-place finish in Serie A. It showed his enduring quality beyond his Inter years.

His career then took him to Monza, a return to his beloved Brescia for two more seasons, and stints with Barletta and Pordenone. He eventually concluded his playing days with Breno in 1991, leaving behind a rich tapestry of clubs and memories.

After hanging up his boots, Beccalossi remained close to the beautiful game. He transitioned into a popular pundit, offering his expert insights and unique perspectives on Italian football, continuing to entertain and inform fans.

The Missing Azzurri Call

Despite his undeniable talent and club success, Evaristo Beccalossi famously never received a call-up to the senior Italy national football team. This was often attributed to a perceived inconsistency in his performances and a less-than-ideal work-rate on the field.

The most significant snub came in 1982, when manager Enzo Bearzot excluded him from the squad that would go on to win the FIFA World Cup. While he did earn seven caps and score one goal for Italy at youth level, the senior international stage remained tantalizingly out of reach.

"Il Genio" — A Unique Style

Beccalossi was known by many nicknames, reflecting his distinctive playing style: 'Beck,' 'Becca,' and most famously, 'Il Genio' (the genius). Sports journalist Gianni Brera even dubbed him 'Driblossi,' a testament to his exceptional dribbling ability and highly individualistic approach to the game.

The Attacking Maestro

He was a quintessential attacking midfielder and playmaker, a rare breed of artist on the pitch. Capable of both scoring goals and, more notably, creating them, Beccalossi was an excellent assist provider throughout his career, often unlocking the tightest defenses. His versatility allowed him to play in various midfield roles, from a deep-lying playmaker to a second striker.

While not celebrated for athleticism or raw pace, Beccalossi possessed a sturdy build and powerful legs, allowing for bursts of acceleration. His true brilliance lay in his creativity, his keen eye for the final pass, incredible dribbling skills, and an undeniable flair—all rooted in his superb technical ability. This was especially remarkable in an era of predominantly defensive Italian football.

The Dual Nature

Yet, 'Il Genio' was also a player of contradictions. His inconsistency and sometimes poor work-rate often drew criticism, dividing public opinion and even prompting teammates to quip that playing with Beccalossi was either like having an extra player or a man down. He was a mercurial talent, capable of both sublime and frustrating moments.

Though generally an accurate penalty taker, Beccalossi also etched a memorable, if infamous, moment into his career by missing two penalties in a single match. This unusual incident occurred on September 15, 1982, during a European Cup Winners' Cup tie against Slovan Bratislava—a match Inter still managed to win 2–0.

Ambidextrous Brilliance

Interestingly, Beccalossi was naturally right-footed. However, out of admiration for the legendary left-footed Italian-Argentine footballer Omar Sívori, he diligently trained himself to become two-footed as a youngster. This dedication meant he could use either foot with remarkable proficiency.

Throughout his career, he predominantly favored his left foot, showcasing his ability to both score and pass effectively with it. His skill, left-footedness, and creative playing style often led to comparisons with another iconic Inter player, Mario Corso, whom Beccalossi deeply admired and considered a point of reference for his own game.

A Trophy Cabinet

Evaristo Beccalossi's career yielded significant honours, cementing his place among Italy's respected footballers.

Serie A: 1979–80 (with Inter Milan) Coppa Italia: 1981–82 (with Inter Milan) Coppa Italia: 1984–85 (with Sampdoria)