Antonio Juliano

Antonio Juliano (26 December 1942 – 13 December 2023) was an Italian footballer who played as a midfielder.

Club career
Born in Naples on 26 December 1942, Juliano spent the majority of his club career at home-town club Napoli, after coming through their youth ranks; he won two Coppa Italia (in 1962 and 1976), as well as the Coppa delle Alpi (in 1966) and the Anglo-Italian League Cup (in 1976).

After leaving Napoli in 1978, he played for one more season with Bologna, before retiring in 1979.

International career
Juliano earned 18 caps for the Italian senior national team between 1966 and 1974, and was a member of the squad that won UEFA Euro 1968.

Juliano was also included in the Italian squad for three different FIFA World Cups, having taken part in the competition in 1966, in 1970 – where the Azzurri finished as runners-up – and in 1974. However, he only ever played one World Cup match, coming on as a substitute in a 4–1 defeat to Brazil in the 1970 World Cup final.

Style of play
A creative playmaker, Juliano was renowned in particular for his leadership skills, as well as his vision, ball control, stamina, and passing range.

After retirement
After retiring, Juliano returned to Napoli as a sporting director; while serving in this role, he oversaw the acquisitions of several players that contributed to the club's first national title in 1987, including Ruud Krol and Diego Maradona.

Death
Juliano died in Naples on 13 December 2023, at the age of 80,  following a short period of hospitalization.

Honours
Napoli
 * Coppa Italia: 1961–62, 1975–76
 * Coppa delle Alpi: 1966
 * Anglo-Italian League Cup: 1976

Italy
 * UEFA European Championship: 1968
 * FIFA World Cup runner-up: 1970