1. Playing Career
Ruben Buriani's professional football career spanned seven seasons in Serie A, marked by significant achievements, challenges, and his characteristic hard work. His time at both club and international levels showcased his dedication as a midfielder.
1.1. Club Career
Buriani commenced his professional journey, eventually playing seven seasons in Serie A for several prominent Italian clubs. Between 1977 and 1982, he made 165 appearances and scored 10 goals in Serie A. He joined A.C. Milan and made his debut on 11 September 1977, in a 1-1 away draw against Fiorentina in Serie A. A highlight of his tenure with Milan was winning the 1978-79 Serie A title. However, his time at the club concluded following their second relegation to Serie B in 1982. In total, Buriani recorded 180 career appearances, scoring 14 goals, with 13 of those goals coming in his 146 Serie A appearances. After his time at Milan, he also played for A.C. Cesena, A.S. Roma, and S.S.C. Napoli. Unfortunately, a serious injury forced him to retire prematurely from the sport in 1985, ending a diligent and impactful career on the pitch.
1.2. International Career
For the Italy national football team, Ruben Buriani earned two substitute appearances. Both of these appearances occurred in the lead-up to the UEFA Euro 1980 tournament, which was held on home soil in Italy. Under the management of Enzo Bearzot, Italy reached the semi-finals of the tournament, ultimately securing a fourth-place finish.
1.2.1. International Goals
| Goal | Date | City | Opponent | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 16 February 1980 | Naples | Romania | 2 - 1 | Friendly match |
| 2. | 19 April 1980 | Torino | Poland | 2 - 2 | Friendly match |
2. Style of Play
Ruben Buriani was widely recognized for his distinctive playing style as a midfielder. He was known as a hard-working and selfless team player, consistently contributing to the collective effort. His key strengths included his exceptional diligence and tireless stamina, which allowed him to cover vast areas of the pitch and maintain a high level of performance throughout matches.
3. Post-playing Career
After his professional playing career was cut short by injury, Ruben Buriani transitioned into administrative roles within football. He served as the Sporting Director for the Milan Youth sector, where he contributed to the development of young talent for the club.
4. Honours
Ruben Buriani achieved notable successes throughout his playing career, securing both team titles and individual recognition.
4.1. Club Honours
Buriani's club career was marked by several significant victories:
- With A.C. Milan:
- Serie A: 1978-79
- Serie B: 1980-81
- Mitropa Cup: 1981-82
- With Monza:
- Coppa Italia Serie C: 1974-75
- Serie C: 1975-76
4.2. Individual Honours
In recognition of his contributions and legacy, Ruben Buriani received the following individual accolade:
- A.C. Milan Hall of Fame