Armando Picchi, 90 years of a legend. The Captain that embodied style and bravery



Legends

Jun 20th 2025
4 MIN READING

Armando Picchi was born 90 years ago, right by the sea of the place he loved so much, Livorno. With the number 6 on his back, the armband on, and his fierce gaze. He didn't shout, he didn't overperform. But those who looked at him knew. And those close to him instantly felt more at ease. Picchi was calm in the storm, the order during chaos. And as the oldest and most wise fans in the San Siro used to say, as if to prevent any danger, "Give it back, as Armando is free". Just his presence made everyone believe and rediscover life that seemed lost. He was a figure that kept the whole team together just as naturally as he led the defensive line. He was a good, strong and deeply spiritual man. Respectful and respected. Intuitive, ironic, charismatic. Every adjective, every memory, every story of him takes you to one thing: his extraordinary personality, a rare goodness of spirit that enchanted everyone that he knew.

He led on the pitch, not with strength, but intelligence. He knew where to be, when to intervene, how to cancel out even the very best without being over-physical. A leader rather than a captain, capable of making things that are impossible for others look simple. In Helenio Herrera's great Inter side, he was the silent and authoritative centrepiece. When others raised their voice, he lowered his tone. While others ran, he anticipated. He seemed to know the game in advance, before it developed. And in doing so, he gave off this calmness, certainty and undeniable determination.

Picchi is a footballing idol. It wasn't all about his performances, but also his behaviour. His leadership was exemplary, not necessarily about making statements.

He played for the Nerazzurri for seven seasons winning 3 Scudettos, 2 European Cups and 2 Intercontinental cups, scoring just one goal in the league, in his first derby on 20 November 1960, AC Milan 0-1 Inter, when he was still playing as a right full-back.

Armando Picchi was (and remains) Inter's strongest and most sombre spirit who taught the world how to win. With style, mentality and heart. But also when he lost, he had the courtesy and awareness to recognise when fairly beaten and to give credit to the opponent.

Stagione 1964-1965 - Suarez Luis con Armando Picchi - Coppa Intercontinentale - Coppa dei Campioni - negativo
Milano, Stadio Meazza San Siro - Stagione 1960-1961 - Inter-Milan 1-0 20-11-1960 - Armando Picchi e Mario David (Milan) in azione - negativo;Milan, Meazza San Siro Stadium - Season 1960-1961 - Inter-Milan 1-0 20-11-1960 - Armando Picchi and Mario David (Milan) in action
Milano, Arena Civica, Stagione 1964-1965 - Armando Picchi e Aristide Guarneri in azione durante una sessione di allenamento;Milan, Arena Civica, 1964-1965 season - Armando Picchi and Aristide Guarneri in action during a training session.
Stagione 1964-1965 - Armando Picchi e Aurelio Milani passeggiano ad Appiano Gentile Pinetina dopo aver terminato la sessione di allenamento - negativo;1964-1965 season - Armando Picchi and Aurelio Milani stroll through the Appiano Gentile Pinetina after finishing their training session
Madrid, Stadio Santiago Bernabeu, Stagione 1966-1967 - Real Madrid-Inter 0-2 01-03-1967, Match di ritorno dei quarti di finale della Coppa Dei Campioni - Schierati prima dell'inizio della partita Armando Picchi (capitano dell'Inter), Francisco Gento (capitano del Real Madrid) e l'arbitro Dienst;Madrid, Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, 1966-1967 season - Real Madrid-Inter 0-2 01-03-1967, Champions Cup quarter-final return match - lined up before the start of the match Armando Picchi (Inter captain), Francisco Gento (Real Madrid captain) and referee Dienst
Milano, Arena Civica, Stagione 1962-1963 - Armando Picchi e Mario Corso posano per uno scatto insieme durante una sessione di allenamento;Milan, Arena Civica, 1962-1963 season - Armando Picchi and Mario Corso pose for a shot together during a training session.
Milano, Stadio Meazza San Siro, Stagione 1960-1961 - Inter-Padova 1-2 19-03-1961 - Armando Picchi in azione con Mario Corso sullo sfondo;Milan, Meazza San Siro Stadium, 1960-1961 season - Inter v Padova 1-2 19-03-1961 - Armando Picchi in action with Mario Corso in the background
Milano, Stadio Meazza San Siro - Stagione 1964-1965 - Inter-Milan 5-2 28-03-1965 - Armando Picchi capitano dell'Inter e Cesare Maldini capitano del Milan, si stringono la mano davanti all'arbitro Sbardella prima dell'inizio partita - Capitani a centrocampo - negativo;Milan, Meazza San Siro Stadium - 1964-1965 season - Inter-Milan 5-2 28-03-1965 - Armando Picchi captain of Inter and Cesare Maldini captain of AC Milan, shake hands in front of referee Sbardella before the start of the match
Picchi - in azione - negativo

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