Sergio Cervato

Sergio Cervato (22 March 1929 – 9 October 2005) was an Italian footballer who played as a defender.

Club career
Cervato was born in Carmignano di Brenta, province of Padua. Playing for Fiorentina, he formed a formidable defensive partnership with Ardico Magnini; despite being a left-back, however, Cervato often contributed to the Viola's attacks, scoring 31 goals during his 10 years in Florence.

During the 1955–56 Serie A season, Cervato won the Serie A title ("Scudetto") with Fiorentina as the club's captain, his only title with the club; the 1955–56 title-winning side under Fulvio Bernardini lost just one game – the last one at Genoa – and is regarded as one of the best Serie A teams of all time. Following the team's Serie A triumph, the squad narrowly missed out on several more league titles, finishing as runners-up for the next four consecutive years in 1957, 1958, 1959 and 1960. During his time with Fiorentina, Cervato also helped the club to reach the 1957 European Cup Final; despite a strong performance, Fiorentina were defeated 2–0 by Real Madrid.

After leaving the Florence side in 1959, Cervato won 2 more league titles with Fiorentina's rivals Juventus. He ended his career in 1965 with Spal Ferrara in Serie B. In Serie A he played a total of 466 matches and scored 45 goals.

International career
With the Italy national team, Cervato obtained 28 international caps, scored 4 goals, and participated at the 1954 FIFA World Cup.

Style of play
One of the finest defenders of Serie A, Cervato was a quick and tireless competitor. As a left-back, he often contributed to his team's attacks; he also boasted a fierce shot and took both penalties and free-kicks.

Managing career
After he retired, Cervato managed the Pescara, Empoli, and Fiorentina youth teams.

Death
Cervato died at 76 years old in Florence. <!--NOT IN WIKIPEDIA STANDARD FORMAT

Honours

 * Fiorentina
 * Serie A Winners: 1955–56; Runner-up: 1956–57, 1957–58, 1958–59
 * European Cup Runner-up: 1956–57
 * Coppa Italia Runner-up: 1958–59, 1959–60


 * Juventus
 * Serie A Winners: 1959–60, 1960–61
 * Coppa Italia Winners: 1959–60