Manlio Scopigno

Manlio Scopigno (20 November 1925 – 25 September 1993) was an Italian professional football player and coach. Known as "il Filosofo" (the Philosopher), he is best known for coaching Cagliari to win their only Serie A title in 1970.

Playing career

Born in Paularo, in the province of Udine, he moved to Rieti at a young age. He began playing as a right-back for Rieti between the Serie C and Serie B.

He moved to Salernitana, with whom he played in the Serie B; in the 1948–49 season, Scopigno played as a goalkeeper against Lecce due to Aldo De Fazio's injury; he conceded four goals.

In 1951, he joined Napoli. After scoring his first Serie A goal against Como, Scopigno suffered a knee injury in 1951; this ultimately ended his career, as he only played a few more games for Napoli and Catanzaro.

Managerial career

After having coached Rieti, Todi and Ortona, Scopigno was appointed assistant coach of Vicenza in 1959. He became head coach in 1961, remaining in charge until 1965.

Scopigno had a short experience with Bologna in the 1965–66 Serie A, before being appointed head coach of newly-promoted side Cagliari in 1966. In 1967, Cagliari participated in the United Soccer Association as the "Chicago Mustangs"; Scopigno led his side to a third-place finish. He helped Cagliari win their first Serie A title in the 1969–70 season. Scopigno left in 1972.

Scopigno ended his coaching career having also taken charge of Roma in 1973 and Vicenza between 1974 and 1976.