AC Milan - Calcio - Gianni Rivera, Oreste del Buono - 1966 - Sports book

At auction: 2 books dedicated to Gianni Rivera, written by Rivera himself and Oreste del Buono, published by Rizzoli
They are:

. Un tocco in più (1966)

Published in June 1966, this book came out at a crucial moment: Gianni Rivera was just 22 years old, but was already the captain and undisputed symbol of Milan. Featuring sixteen black-and-white photographs printed on separate pages, the volume is a kind of personal and professional diary in which the young "Golden Boy" recounts his beginnings in Alessandria, his arrival in Milan, and his view of football, before his career took off toward the successes of the 1970s and the Ballon d'Or (which he won in 1969).
First edition, 1966

. Dalla Corea al Quirinale (1968)

The title of this second book is highly symbolic and captures Rivera's footballing and personal redemption:
• "Korea" refers to Italy's shocking and dramatic elimination from the 1966 World Cup in England at the hands of North Korea. Rivera played in that historic match and faced fierce criticism upon returning home; he uses this moment as the starting point for a comeback.
• "The Quirinal Palace" represents the pinnacle of success. The book culminates with an account of the extraordinary 1967–1968 season, when Rivera led Milan to victory in the league and the European Cup Winners' Cup, as well as winning the European Championship with the national team in Rome in '68.
Second edition, 1959

.The authorial touch of Oreste del Buono

What makes these works particularly special is their co-author, Oreste del Buono. He was no mere sports ghostwriter, but one of Italy's greatest intellectuals, journalists, and cultural critics of the 20th century. A passionate Milan supporter, "OdB" succeeded in turning Rivera's biographies into literary and cultural snapshots of 1960s Italy, making them very interesting pieces to keep on one's bookshelf.

Excellent condition

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