Natalio Perinetti

Natalio Perinetti (28 December 1900 – 24 May 1985) was an Argentine footballer that spent most of his career in Racing Club, playing for 17 years and winning 12 titles with the club. A skilled right winger, Perinetti is regarded as one of the greatest idols of the club, being a key player of the team that earned the nickname Academia in the 1910s.

Biography Perinetti started playing football matches with his friends in the district of Barracas, his birthplace. Due to his skills with the ball, he was encouraged to try registering with a club with the hope of developing a career in football.

His first club was Talleres (BA) where he played with the youth teams. At only 14 years old, Perinetti came to Racing in 1915, after being recommended by his older brother Juan. He started at the fourth division playing as right winger. It was during those years when he met Pedro Ochoa (other skilled player who would be later nicknamed the king of the dribbling), who became Perinetti's partner inside the field and best friend in life.

Perinetti debuted with the senior team two years later. He soon noted as a key player for Racing, being praised and recognised for his speed and control of the ball. He played 17 consecutive years in Racing, winning 12 titles with the club (10 domestic and 2 international). During his brilliant career in Racing, then president of Real Madrid, Santiago Bernabéu, tried to convince him to play for the club, but he refused the offer because of his love for Racing. Perinetti made a stunning performance which particularly impressed rival player Santiago Bernabéu, who wanted to hired Perinetti for his team, although the Argentine declined the offer.

Perinetti was part of the Argentina national football team where he played 7 games between 1923 and 1930, including the first FIFA World Cup held in Uruguay in 1930. He also played the 1929 South American Championship (current Copa América) with the national squad. He was part of Argentina's squad for the 1928 Summer Olympics, but he did not play in any matches.

In June 1934, Perinetti left Racing for River Plate. He made his debut in a 2–0 win over Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata. After retirement, Perinetti was a sports commentator on television in the 60s.

Honours Racing Club Primera División (5): 1917, 1918, 1919, 1921, 1925 Copa de Honor Municipalidad de Buenos Aires (1): 1917 Copa Ibarguren (2): 1916, 1917 Copa Beccar Varela (1): 1932 Copa de Competencia (LAF) (1): 1933 Copa Aldao (2): 1917, 1918

Argentina Copa América: 1929 Summer Olympics Silver Medal: 1928 FIFA World Cup runner-up: 1930