Osvaldo Piazza Biography: Life, Career, And Achievements

Osvaldo Piazza is a retired Argentine football player and coach. Born on April 6, 1947, in Buenos Aires, Piazza began his football career as a defender, and he played for several clubs throughout his career, including Rosario Central, River Plate, and Racing Club. He was known for his defensive skills, as well as his ability to contribute to the offense.

Piazza’s career in football spanned over two decades, during which he played for several clubs in Argentina and France. He was also a member of the Argentine national team, and he played in the 1974 FIFA World Cup. After retiring from playing, Piazza went on to become a football coach, and he managed several clubs in Argentina, including San Lorenzo, Rosario Central, and Atlético de Rafaela.

Key Takeaways

Osvaldo Piazza is a retired Argentine football player and coach, born on April 6, 1947, in Buenos Aires.
Piazza played for several clubs throughout his career, including Rosario Central, River Plate, and Racing Club, and he was known for his defensive skills and ability to contribute to the offense.
After retiring from playing, Piazza went on to become a football coach, managing several clubs in Argentina, including San Lorenzo, Rosario Central, and Atlético de Rafaela.

Early Life and Education

Osvaldo Piazza was born on April 6, 1947, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He grew up in a middle-class family and had a passion for football from an early age. Piazza’s father, who was a factory worker, encouraged him to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

Piazza attended a local school in Buenos Aires and played football for a local club. He was scouted by River Plate, one of the most successful football clubs in Argentina, and joined their youth academy at the age of 14. Piazza quickly rose through the ranks and made his professional debut for River Plate in 1966.

Despite his early success, Piazza continued to pursue his education. He attended the University of Buenos Aires and earned a degree in physical education. Piazza’s education helped him to understand the science behind football and gave him an edge on the pitch.

Piazza’s dedication to both football and education paid off. He became one of the most successful footballers in Argentina and went on to have a successful career in Europe.

Career in Football

Playing Career

Osvaldo Piazza began his professional football career with Rosario Central in 1966. He spent six seasons with the club before moving to France to join Saint-Étienne in 1972. During his seven-year stint with the French club, Piazza won six titles, including three consecutive Ligue 1 titles from 1974 to 1976.

After leaving Saint-Étienne in 1979, Piazza played for several other clubs, including Paris FC, AS Nancy, and AS Corbeil-Essonnes. He retired from professional football in 1983.

Coaching Career

Following his retirement as a player, Piazza began a coaching career. He managed several clubs in Argentina, including Rosario Central, Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, and Racing Club. He also had stints as a coach in Uruguay, Peru, and Ecuador.

In 2003, Piazza was appointed as the manager of Universitario in Peru. He led the club to the Peruvian Primera División title in his first season in charge. Piazza also managed Libertad in Paraguay and Atlético de Rafaela in Argentina.

Throughout his coaching career, Piazza was known for his tactical acumen and his ability to motivate his players. He was highly respected by his peers and was considered one of the top managers in South America during the 2000s.

Achievements and Awards

Throughout his career, Osvaldo Piazza won several titles and awards. Here are some of his most notable achievements:

With Rosario Central, Piazza won the Copa Argentina in 1966 and the Nacional championship in 1971.
Piazza won the French league title three times with AS Saint-Étienne in 1974, 1975, and 1976. Additionally, he won the Coupe de France in 1974 and 1975, and reached the European Cup final in 1976.
In 1974, Piazza was named the best foreign player in France.
Piazza was a member of the Argentina national team that won the 1978 FIFA World Cup. Although he did not play in any of the matches, he was an important member of the squad and provided valuable support to his teammates.

Piazza’s success on the field was due to his exceptional defensive skills, as well as his ability to contribute to the attack. He was known for his precise tackles, strong aerial ability, and excellent positional sense. His leadership and professionalism also made him a respected figure both on and off the field.

Overall, Osvaldo Piazza’s achievements and awards highlight his status as one of the greatest Argentine footballers of all time. His contributions to the sport will always be remembered by fans and players alike.

Personal Life

Osvaldo Piazza was born on April 6, 1947, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has kept his personal life private, and there is no information available about his family or relationships.

Piazza is known for his passion for football and has dedicated his life to the sport. He has been a professional football player and manager for several years and has made significant contributions to the sport in Argentina and beyond.

Apart from football, Piazza has also been involved in charity work, supporting various causes and organizations. He has been actively involved in promoting education and sports among underprivileged children in Argentina.

Piazza is a private person, and not much is known about his interests and hobbies outside of football. However, it is evident that he is a dedicated and hardworking individual who has made significant contributions to the sport and society as a whole.

Legacy and Influence

Osvaldo Piazza is widely regarded as one of the greatest Argentine football players of all time. His contributions to the sport have left a lasting impact on the game, both in Argentina and around the world.

Piazza’s skill as a defender was unmatched, and he was known for his ability to read the game and anticipate his opponent’s moves. He was also a strong leader on the field, and his presence on the pitch inspired his teammates to perform at their best.

Piazza’s success as a player has inspired a new generation of footballers in Argentina and beyond. Many young players look up to him as a role model and try to emulate his style of play.

Off the field, Piazza has also made a significant impact on the sport. He has worked as a manager for several teams in Argentina, and his expertise and leadership have helped these teams achieve success.

In addition to his contributions to football, Piazza has also been involved in various charitable causes throughout his career. He has used his platform as a successful athlete and manager to raise awareness for important issues and support organizations that are working to make a positive impact in the world.

Overall, Osvaldo Piazza’s legacy as a football player, manager, and philanthropist is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication to the sport. His impact on the game will continue to be felt for many years to come.

Controversies and Criticisms

Despite his successful football career, Osvaldo Piazza was not without controversies and criticisms. One of the most notable incidents happened in 1973, during a match between AS Saint-Étienne and Olympique de Marseille. Piazza, who was playing as a defender, was involved in a heated argument with Marseille’s striker Josip Skoblar. The argument escalated into a physical altercation, with Piazza reportedly hitting Skoblar with a punch. The incident resulted in Piazza’s expulsion from the match, and he was subsequently suspended for several games.

Another controversial moment in Piazza’s career happened in 1975, during a match between AS Saint-Étienne and FC Nantes. Piazza was accused of spitting at Nantes’ midfielder Henri Michel, which led to a brawl between the two teams. Piazza denied the accusation, but he was still suspended for four games.

Piazza’s aggressive playing style also earned him criticism from some football experts and fans. Some argued that his tendency to commit fouls and engage in physical confrontations was detrimental to his team’s performance. Others, however, praised Piazza’s toughness and tenacity, and saw his aggressive style as a necessary component of his success as a defender.

Despite the controversies and criticisms, Piazza remains a legendary figure in the world of football, and his contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Osvaldo Piazza known for?

Osvaldo Piazza is known for being an Argentine professional football manager and former player. He played as a defender in his playing days.

What teams did Osvaldo Piazza play for?

During his football career, Osvaldo Piazza played for several teams, including AS Saint-Étienne, Huracán, Vélez Sarsfield, Independiente, Lanús, Libertad, and Universitario de Deportes.

What was Osvaldo Piazza’s playing style?

Osvaldo Piazza was known for his defensive skills as a player. He was also associated with Christian Lopez and had the habit of helping the team offensively.

What are some notable achievements of Osvaldo Piazza?

Osvaldo Piazza has several notable achievements in his career. He won the Ligue 1 title with AS Saint-Étienne in 1975 and the Copa Libertadores with Independiente in 1973 and 1974. He was also part of the Argentine national team that won the 1978 World Cup.

What is Osvaldo Piazza’s current occupation?

As of the current date, there is no information available on Osvaldo Piazza’s current occupation.

What is the early life and background of Osvaldo Piazza?

Osvaldo Piazza was born on April 6, 1947, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He started his football career playing for Huracán in 1966. He then moved on to play for several other teams in Argentina and abroad.