Pietro Battara, historic Sampdoria goalkeeper, dies at the age of 90

Pietro "Piero" Battara, historic Sampdoria goalkeeper and coach of Gianluca Pagliuca, has died at the age of 90. Batman Battara, as nicknamed by Blucerchiati fans, was born in Turin in 1936 and arrived at Samp, coming from Vicenza, in 1972 and remained there until 1972 when he was sold to Bologna.

His sticker was among the unobtainable ones for collectors of Panini albums.

"The fiery shield sewn over the heart and a uniform capable of making history. The black shirt - we read on the team's website - the blue collar and cuffs: in goal, needless to say, Battara plays. From Batman to pioneer of goalkeeper trainers, passing through dives, exits and advice, low catches and high catches.

This - and not only - was Pietro Piero Battara for Unione Calcio Sampdoria. 243 appearances which made him an authentic Sampdoria legend. A legend who is gone today but who will remain forever in the history of our club." The funeral will be held next Tuesday in the church of San Pietro in Genova Quinto, at 10.