Angelo Elia

Angelo Elia (born 26 August 1957) is a Swiss former footballer who played as a forward for Lugano and Servette in the 1970s and 80s.

Early life The son of a former footballer and policeman, Elia grew up in Brissago. He started playing football in Magliaso in 1970, before moving to Agno three years later. That season Elia won the treble with his new team (League, Swiss Cup and League Cup). Elia is also known from Servette's run in the 1978–79 European Cup Winners' Cup, where he scored as the team eliminated AS Nancy to reach the quarter-finals, also scoring two goals against PAOK. Elia scored in a 2–1 victory over the Netherlands in 1981, a result Switzerland did not manage to repeat until 2007. In total, he made 30 appearances for youth teams of Switzerland.

Style of play Elia's strengths were acceleration, ball control and being able to "instinctively anticipate[] attacking moves", while passing was a weakness.

Personal life Elia worked as a teacher and studied psychology and pedagogy.

Honours Servette Swiss championship: 1978–79, 1984–85 Swiss Cup: 1978–79, 1983–84 League Cup: 1978–79