Hardcore fans of Serie A would most probably be familiar with Giuseppe Signori, but the former Italian Striker might not be the most recognizable forward outside Italy. Signori is one of the finest strikers in Serie A history, who enjoyed his finest years at Lazio. His career lasted for 2 decades, during which he played for over half a dozen clubs. Let us take a look back at his magical career in this article, as we pay tribute to this magical striker.
Before Lazio
A young Giuseppe Signori began his football journey through Inter Milan's youth academy, but the club eventually released him after finding him to be too short for footballing standards. This led to the player joining Italian side Leffe, where he made his professional football debut. The next chapters of Signori's career were at Piacenza (1986–87 and 1988–89), Trento (1987–88), and Foggia (1989–92).
It was in the year of 1992 though that Signori's career took a huge leap forward.
The peak years
It was in 1992 that Signori signed for Lazio, where he enjoyed the pinnacle of his career. The Italian striker showcased his magnificent finishing skills, which saw him become the Serie A top scorer on three occasions (1993, 1994, and 1996). Despite these individual heroics, he was ultimately sold by Lazio to Sampdoria for an undisclosed fee. The primary reason for his sale was the player's lack of playing time under Lazio manager Sven-Göran Eriksson. After an extremely short stint at Sampdoria, Signori departed the club and joined Bologna.
Those events did not deter Signori, as he continued his individual excellence at Bologna. The Italian helped his side to qualify for the 1998–99 UEFA Cup, as Bologna were able to clinch the 1998 UEFA Intertoto Cup and earn qualification that season. It was a promising period for the club, as Bologna and Signori reached both the UEFA Cup and the Coppa Italia semi-finals in that succeeding season.
Signori's time in Italy saw him score a total of 188 goals in Serie A, which is the ninth highest in the league's history. It is a legendary ranking that he shares with the likes of Alessandro Del Piero and Alberto Gilardino.
Another highlight of his time in Serie A came between 17th May 1992 and 28th February 1993, during which he scored in a record 10 consecutive away games in Serie A.
Alongside the great Cristiano Ronaldo, Signori holds the record for most consecutive away games with at least one goal in a single season (9).
Final years
After his legendary football journey in Italy, Signori then spent his final years in football abroad. His first move abroad led him to Greece, as he joined Greek side Iraklis Thessaloniki in 2004. The very next year in October 2005, Signori signed a one year contract with Hungarian side MFC Sopron.
The Italian eventually retired from the beautiful game after his stint at Sopron.
International career
Signori couldn't replicate his club football success in the international stage, primarily due to then Italian side manager Arrigo Sacchi's insistence on playing him as a left winger in midfield. Only on a rare few occasions did Sacchi allow Signori to operate as a supporting forward or striker.
He earned a total of 28 caps for the Italian national side between 1992 and 1995, scoring 7 goals during this period. His only major international tournament participation was in the 1994 FIFA World Cup as well.
Despite an underwhelming international career, Signori would also be seen as that magnificent striker who terrorized defenders in Serie A.
