Sergio Cervato

Sergio Cervato (; 22 March 1929 – 9 October 2005) was an Italian footballer who played as a defender.

Club career Cervato was born in Carmignano di Brenta, province of Padua. Playing for Fiorentina, he formed a formidable defensive partnership with Ardico Magnini; despite being a left-back, however, Cervato often contributed to the Viola's attacks, scoring 31 goals during his 10 years in Florence. Cervato (crouched, first from left) with Juventus scudettata in the 1960–61 season.

During the 1955–56 Serie A season, Cervato won the Serie A title ("Scudetto") with Fiorentina as the club's captain, his only title with the club; the 1955–56 title-winning side under Fulvio Bernardini lost just one game – the last one at Genoa – and is regarded as one of the best Serie A teams of all time. Following the team's Serie A triumph, the squad narrowly missed out on several more league titles, finishing as runners-up for the next four consecutive years in 1957, 1958, 1959 and 1960. During his time with Fiorentina, Cervato also helped the club to reach the 1957 European Cup Final; despite a strong performance, Fiorentina were defeated 2–0 by Real Madrid.

After leaving the Florence side in 1959, Cervato won 2 more league titles with Fiorentina's rivals Juventus. He ended his career in 1965 with Spal Ferrara in Serie B. In Serie A he played a total of 466 matches and scored 45 goals.

International career With the Italy national team, Cervato obtained 28 international caps, scored 4 goals, and participated at the 1954 FIFA World Cup.

Style of play One of the finest defenders of Serie A, Cervato was a quick and tireless competitor. As a left-back, he often contributed to his team's attacks; he also boasted a fierce shot and took both penalties and free-kicks.

Managing career After he retired, Cervato managed the Pescara, Empoli, and Fiorentina youth teams.

Death Cervato died at 76 years old in Florence.

Honours Fiorentina Serie A Winners: 1955–56; Runner-up: 1956–57, 1957–58, 1958–59 European Cup Runner-up: 1956–57 Coppa Italia Runner-up: 1958–59, 1959–60

Juventus Serie A Winners: 1959–60, 1960–61 Coppa Italia Winners: 1959–60

Individual Serie A Team of The Year: 1951, 1953, 1954, 1956