Pierino Prati

Pierino Prati (; 13 December 1946 – 22 June 2020) was an Italian footballer who played mainly as a forward. He began his career with Salernitana, and later played for several other Italian clubs, including a successful spell with AC Milan, with whom he won several titles. As of 2026, he is the last person to score a hat-trick in a European Cup final, having done so in 1969 against Ajax.

At international level, Prati represented Italy on 14 occasions between 1968 and 1974, scoring seven goals; he was a member of the teams that won UEFA Euro 1968 on home soil, and which reached the 1970 FIFA World Cup final. He also had a brief spell with Rochester Lancers in the NASL in 1979.

Overall, he played for 12 seasons (233 games, 100 goals) in the Italian Serie A with Milan, Roma and Fiorentina.

Style of play

Prati was capable of playing anywhere along the front-line, as a striker, supporting forward, and as a winger. At Milan, he was often deployed on the left wing due to his pace, technique, distribution, and was also known for his powerful and accurate shot from both inside and outside the penalty area, as well as his ability in the air.

Personal life Prati's son, Cristiano, is also a footballer, who plays in the lower Italian divisions.

Career statistics

Club + Appearances and goals by club, season and competition Serie A: 1967–68 Coppa Italia: 1971–72, 1972–73 European Cup: 1968–69 European Cup Winners' Cup: 1967–68, 1972–73 Intercontinental Cup: 1969

Italy UEFA European Championship: 1968 FIFA World Cup: runner-up 1970

Individual Serie A top scorer: 1967–68 (15 goals) AC Milan Hall of Fame