Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast! Join co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper as they welcome special guest Richard Hough, author of 'Verona Capone, the Miracle of 85'. In this episode, Richard delves into the extraordinary story of Hellas Verona's incredible 1984-85 Serie A title win. From the chaotic Italian football landscape of the 1980s, managerial masterstrokes, and key foreign signings, to the unforgettable moments and lasting impact on the city of Verona, this episode is a deep dive into one of football's most romantic underdog stories. Join us as we explore how a small provincial team conquered giants like AC Milan and Juventus to achieve an unexpected and historic league victory.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:02 Setting the Scene: 1980s Italian Football
02:21 Verona's Rise to Glory
03:28 Economic and Social Context
05:08 Key Players and Strategic Moves
12:15 Tactical Insights and Coaching Philosophy
15:15 Foreign Players and Their Impact
22:55 The Perfect Season Opener
25:04 The Opening Goal and Season Kickoff
25:29 Verona's Iconic Moments and Key Players
30:05 The Turning Point in the Season
33:01 The Final Stretch to the Title
40:42 Celebrations and Legacy
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