Revitalised Rampulla
Football Italia - December 1998
After making just 39 first team appearances for Juventus in Serie A in six seasons, it's no wonder Michelangelo Rampulla is called the Eternal Reserve. The 36-year-old goalkeeper only ever plays when Italy's and Juve's No 1, Angelo Peruzzi is injured.
But given his chance this season when just that happened, Rampulla suddenly found himself labeled a hero when saving a penalty in a Champions' League match with Rosenborg which prevented the Norwegians claiming a shock win and then repeating his heroics in the League against Piacenza a few days later.
Yet as soon as Peruzzi was fit again, back went Rampulla to the bench as uncomplaining as ever. "Peruzzi is among the very best in the world and to be his understudy is a stimulant for me," says the eternal understudy. I don't wish any harm to Peruzzi, he is my friend and I only have ever wished him the very best." What a man. But when he does play he always gives a better then average show for himself. In 13 games he deputised for Peruzzi last year Juventus won eight, drew three and lost just two.
Starting his career off with his hometown club, Serie D outfit Pattese, in the 1979-80 season, he was picked up by Serie B side Varese the following season. In 1985, after a two-year spell with Cesena, he moved to Cremonese again in Serie B. After four seasons as number one choice he helped them climb into Serie A for the 1989-90 season. it was there, with his outstanding saves for the North-eastern club - and a goal too - that Juventus decided he was their man.
"I chose to go to Juventus and it was a decision I have never regretted. I am convinced that I have not wasted my time. It's true I have thought of quitting, but last March I had a talk with Lippi and some of the directors and I decided to carry on. It may be this season or perhaps the next that I finish. But one thing is sure, I will end my career with Juventus. I don't want to repeat the experience of Tacconi. When he left Juve he was accused of not trying like he used to once upon a time."
When he does decide to stop flying between the posts there is sure to be a coaching place for him with Juve which will be no less then he deserves. Yet no matter how little or much he plays, Rampulla claims he still gets the same buzz from the game as he did as a youngster starting out as a professional nearly 20 years ago.
"At my age it should not happen," he says, "but I still get emotional just like the very first time. Even if there is little to do I still feel the tension like I always have and this is positive because it helps me."
Something is obviously working for him as his tremendous displays both against the Norwegian outfit Trondheim and the Serie A victory over Piacenza, where he picked up Juve's man-of-of-the-match award, prove beyond a doubt that Juve never have to fear putting Rampulla between the sticks.
