Farewell to Pietro Battara, Sampdoria’s “Batman”

Sampdoria and Italian soccer mourn Pietro Battara: the legendary goalkeeper for the Blucerchiati, who also played for Vicenza and Bologna during his career, has died at the age of 90.

The Turin-born goalkeeper, nicknamed “Batman,” played 190 Serie A matches for Sampdoria between 1961 and 1972, and after retiring, he served for many years as the goalkeeping coach for the Ligurian club: one of the pioneers in a role that was not yet widespread or specialized in Italy.

Here is Sampdoria’s official statement: “The fiery shield sewn over his heart and a jersey that defined an era. The black jersey, the blue collar and cuffs: in goal, needless to say, was Battara. From Batman to a pioneer among goalkeeper coaches, through dives, rushes out, advice, low saves, and high saves. This—and more—was Pietro Piero Battara for Unione Calcio Sampdoria. 243 appearances that made him a true Blucerchiati legend. A legend who passed away today at the age of 90, but who will remain forever in our club’s history.”

“Born in Turin on July 21, 1936, he soon fled with his family to Bomporto, in the Modena area, and returned to Piedmont once World War II had ended. And, somewhat by chance, on the small fields of Turin’s parish youth centers, he began his career as the number one goalkeeper. He entered professional soccer thanks to Vicenza, which transferred him to Sampdoria in 1961. It wasn’t love at first sight: in fact, he had to wait a few seasons and the arrival of Fulvio Bernardini as head coach to secure the starting spot, but once he did, Piero never let it go. Blessed with a powerful physique, quick reflexes, and extraordinary courage, Battara became the idol of the South Stand during the season of the team’s immediate promotion to Serie A (’66/67) and the subsequent relegation battles, shining especially in memorable matches against Napoli at the “San Paolo.”

“Traded to Bologna in ’72 and having hung up his gloves in ’74, he was a pioneer at Coverciano in the role of goalkeeper coach, a position in which he returned to Genoa as part of the coaching staff of his former Sampdoria teammate Vujadin Boškov, where for years he mentored the greatest goalkeeper of all time: Gianluca Pagliuca, who today, like us, mourns him with deep emotion and gratitude as a true mentor. The club extends its deepest condolences to the Battara family, his son Massimo, and his grandson Daniele.”