A champion on the pitch and in life leaves us. Rest in peace, Franco

This morning, Franco Janich passed away at the age of 82. From 1961 to 1972, he was a real stalwart for Bologna: he played 376 matches for the Rossoblù (294 in Serie A, plus the Scudetto playoff at the Olimpico), 40 in the Coppa Italia, 41 in Europe, winning one league title (1963-64), one Coppa Italia (1969-70) and one Mitropa Cup (1961) in the process.

Born in Udine on 27 Match 1937, he developed as a sweeper at in IV Serie side Spilimbergo before going on to make his debut in Serie A with Atalanta. He then joined Bernardini’s Lazio, with whom he won a Coppa Italia. The Coach from Rome then brought Janich to Bologna when he took charge of the Rossoblù. And it was at Bologna where he really shined, forming a formidable partnership with Tumburus at the back.

He was big, a great reader of the play, a great header of the ball. He was given the affectionate nickname Armèri, Bolognese dialect for wardrobe. The fans not only appreciated the qualities he displayed on the pitch, but also his approach to others, quick-witted and kind as he was. After settling in Nemi in the Alban Hulls, he often returned to Bologna so long as his health permitted him to do so. He did this to greet old friends and once again take in the city that continued to remain in his heart. And it’s this city that is mourning a great loss today.

The thoughts of everyone at Bologna Fc 1909 are with Franco’s family.