Ernesto Castano

Ernesto Castano (Italian pronunciation: [erˈnɛsto ˈkastano]; 2 May 1939 – 5 January 2023) was an Italian professional footballer who played as a defender. Throughout his club career he played for Legnano, Triestina, and Juventus, winning domestic titles at the latter club. At international level, he was a member of the Italy national team that won UEFA Euro 1968.

Ernesto Castano

Castano in 1967
Personal information
Date of birth	(1939-05-02)2 May 1939
Place of birth	Cinisello Balsamo, Italy
Date of death	5 January 2023(2023-01-05) (aged 83)
Height	1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s)	Centre-back
Youth career
	Balsamese
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1956–1957	Legnano	26	(0)
1957–1958	Triestina	31	(0)
1958–1970	Juventus	265	(0)
Total		322	(0)
International career
1959–1969	Italy	7	(0)
Medal record Men's football Representing Italy (as player) UEFA European Championship Winner 1968 Italy
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Club career

Castano was born in Cinisello Balsamo in the Province of Milan. He played club football for three Italian clubs throughout his career: Legnano, Triestina, and most prominently with Juventus, where he won several domestic titles, also serving as the team's captain.

International career

At international level, Castano also played for the Italy national team on seven occasions between 1959 and 1969, winning the 1968 UEFA European Championship on home soil.

Italian Footballers Association

On 3 July 1968, Castano founded the Italian Footballers' Association (AIC), in Milan, along with a number of fellow players including Giacomo Bulgarelli, Sandro Mazzola, Gianni Rivera, Giancarlo De Sisti, and Giacomo Losi. The recently retired Sergio Campana, also a lawyer, was appointed president of the association.

Death

Castano died on 5 January 2023, at the age of 83.

Honours

Juventus

• Coppa Italia: 1958–59, 1959–60, 1964–65
• Serie A 1959–60, 1960–61, 1966–67

Italy

• UEFA European Football Championship: 1968