#OnThisDay, 27th February 1966: #SpalBFC 0-3

Spal vs. Bologna is a classic Italian fixture. The last time that it took place was in April 1995 at the Stadio Mazza in Ferrara, the game finished 0-0 and helped Bologna on their way to promotion from Serie B which was then clinched a week later with a win against Leffe. This fixture hasn’t been played in the top flight since 10th March 1968 when 50 years ago, the Rossoblu won 3-1 thanks to goals from Pascutti, Roversi and Pace.

Today’s article takes us back exactly 52 years ago. On that day, 27th February 1966, a Bologna side led by manager Carniglia had the upper hand with a 3-0 victory. The picture below shows Giacomo Bulgarelli dribbling his way past SPAL’s Bozzao.

After a bad start with Scopigno at the helm, the arrival of the Argentine coach helped Bologna to a series of positive results. After beating AC Milan and Torino during the winter, the Rossoblu swept away Lazio, SPAL and Sampdoria in three consecutive matches in February. That let to them chasing Inter on top of the table, a situation that wouldn’t change until the end of the season. The picture below shows some masked characters ahead of kick-off.

Carniglia loved gifted players. It’s not by chance that Perani and Haller had a magnificent season. On that day, at the Paolo Mazza, Bologna showed all of their immense quality in the second half.

Helmut Haller was the absolute star. The German midfielder scored from the penalty spot, as shown in the picture above, and doubled the Rossoblu’s lead with a few minutes left to play. He would finish that fantastic season on 12 goals. It was then Vastola who netted the final goal to make it 0-3 in stoppage time. The picture below shows the players celebrating that goal in front of the stands.

As always, many thanks to Walter Breveglieri and his rich Fotowall archive.