1. Early Life and Personal Background
Luciano Favero was born on October 11, 1957, in Santa Maria di Sala, a municipality in the Veneto region of Italy. He was one of six children born to his father, Corrado, a farmer, and his mother, Bianca, who maintained a `mezzadriasharecroppingItalian` arrangement in the countryside surrounding Santa Maria di Sala.
q=Santa Maria di Sala|position=right
In his youth, prior to dedicating himself fully to professional football, Favero worked as a metal-worker in a factory located in Miranese. His early footballing endeavors began with Fenice Caselle, where he played in the Terza Categoria, before making a move to Noale, a Promozione-level side, at the age of 15. This early exposure to manual labor and lower-division football contributed to his later public image and nickname.
2. Playing Career
Luciano Favero enjoyed a comprehensive professional football career spanning from 1975 to 1991, primarily as a defender known for his physical prowess and versatility. Although he achieved significant club success, he notably did not make any appearances for the Italy national team.
2.1. Club Career
Favero's club career saw him represent several Italian teams, culminating in a highly successful period with Juventus before his eventual retirement.
2.1.1. Early Clubs
Favero began his professional journey with Milanese, where he played for the 1975-1976 season, making 31 appearances without scoring. He then moved to Messina for the 1976-1977 season, playing in 37 matches and scoring one goal. The following season, 1977-1978, he joined Salernitana, appearing in 17 matches. From 1978 to 1980, Favero played for Siracusa, where he made 67 appearances and scored three goals. During his time with Siracusa, he contributed to the team's victory in the Coppa Italia Serie C during the 1978-79 season, marking his first club honor.
He then moved to Rimini for the 1980-1981 season, playing in 38 matches. His next club was Avellino, where he spent three seasons from 1981 to 1984, making 78 appearances. During his time at Avellino, Favero became a close friend and teammate of goalkeeper Stefano Tacconi. Following his stint with Avellino, a transfer to Lazio was considered definitive, but in an abrupt turn of events, Favero instead secured a transfer to Juventus in 1984.
2.1.2. Juventus F.C.
Favero's most prominent period was with Juventus, where he played for five seasons from 1984 to 1989. He joined the Turin-based club as a direct replacement for the legendary defender Claudio Gentile, who had recently been transferred to Fiorentina. At Juventus, Favero quickly established himself as a regular, forming a formidable defensive line alongside notable players such as Antonio Cabrini and Gaetano Scirea.
During his tenure with Juventus, Favero made 133 league appearances, scoring 2 goals, and contributed to the club's success in various competitions, making over 200 appearances in total across all competitions. His achievements with Juventus include:
- Victory in the European Cup in the 1984-85 season.
- A Serie A title in the 1985-86 season.
- The UEFA Super Cup in 1984.
- The Intercontinental Cup in 1985.
2.1.3. Later Career and Retirement
After his successful period at Juventus, Luciano Favero moved to Hellas Verona in 1989. He played two seasons with Verona, from 1989 to 1991, making 65 appearances before concluding his professional football career with the club.
2.2. International Career
Despite his consistent success and pivotal role at the club level, particularly with Juventus, Luciano Favero never received a call-up or made an appearance for the Italy national side. This unfulfilled aspiration was shared by his Juventus defensive teammate, Sergio Brio, who also never earned an international cap despite a distinguished club career.
3. Style of Play and Nickname
Luciano Favero was recognized for his well-rounded, tactically intelligent, and consistent style of play as a defender. He possessed significant versatility, capable of playing anywhere along the back-line, including as a right-sided or left-sided full-back and in the centre. He could operate effectively in both man-to-man marking and zonal defensive systems.
At Juventus, he was often deployed as a right-back, taking over the position from Claudio Gentile, or as a man-marking centre-back, also known as a 'stopper'. Favero's good technique, offensive instincts, and eye for goal also allowed him to fill the role of `libero` or sweeper when Gaetano Scirea was unavailable. Despite this versatility and technical ability, he initially gained a reputation in the media as an unrefined defender from a technical standpoint due to his hard-tackling and physical playing style. Favero's strength, anticipation, aerial prowess, aggression, and powerful physical attributes were also notable aspects of his game. He was also recognizable on the field for the distinctive moustache he wore.
Throughout his career, the media bestowed upon him the nickname `l'operaiothe factory workerItalian`. This moniker was a direct reference to his early life, specifically his time working as a metal-worker in a Miranese factory during his youth, emphasizing his humble origins and diligent, hard-working approach to the game.
4. Life After Retirement
After retiring from professional football, Luciano Favero navigated a period marked by both personal challenges and new pursuits. He had maintained a close friendship with his former Avellino and Juventus teammate, goalkeeper Stefano Tacconi. However, in the 2000s, a conflict arose between them regarding a sponsorship issue. The dispute escalated to legal action, with Tacconi reportedly winning a court case against Favero. Despite the legal battle, Favero stated in a 2022 interview with Il Corriere del Veneto that the two had reconciled and cleared up their differences.
Favero also encountered financial difficulties after his playing career, struggling with some failed investments. Following these challenges, he transitioned into a new occupation, working as a caddie at a golf club located near his home. This career change was motivated by his enduring passion for the sport of golf.
5. Honours
Luciano Favero accumulated several significant team honors during his professional football career, particularly with Juventus and Siracusa.
5.1. Club Honours
- Siracusa**
- Coppa Italia Serie C: 1978-79
- Juventus**
- Serie A: 1985-86
- European Super Cup: 1984
- European Cup: 1984-85
- Intercontinental Cup: 1985