Journalism in mourning: Bruno Pizzul, historical voice of the national team, has died

Goodbye to Bruno Pizzul

The world of journalism mourns the passing of Bruno Pizzul, celebrated sports commentator, who passed away at the age of 86 at Gorizia Hospital where he was hospitalized. He would have turned 87 next March 8.

Born in 1938, Pizzul was hired by RAI in 1969. His first telecast was on April 8, 1970 during the Juventus-Bologna Coppa Italia match. Beginning with the 1986 World Cup è he became the voice of the national team, commentating on the Azzurri’s matches in no fewer than five world championships and four European championships. His last commentary è dated August 21, 2002 when Italy faced Slovenia in a friendly.

The historic Friulian commentator also commented on the tragic 1985 Champions Cup final, notorious for the Heysel massacre: "&It was the commentary I never wanted to do. Not so much because of a discourse of journalistic communication difficulties, but because I had to tell about things that are not acceptable just on a human".

Pizzul was not only a commentator for Rai: è he was also host of Domenica Sportiva, in the 1975 summer version and in the 1993-94 season, as well as of Sport Sera and Domenica Sprint, from 1976 to 1990.