Attilio Ferraris
The iron-hearted midfielder who anchored Italy's legendary 1934 World Cup-winning team, known for his toughness and tactical intelligence.
1904–1947 (age 43)·Italian footballer·Birthday: March 26·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Attilio Ferraris was the steel in the spine of Italian football's first golden generation. In an era when midfielders were often either creators or destroyers, Ferraris blended both with a relentless competitive fire. He spent the bulk of his club career with Roma, becoming a symbol of the club's grit and passion in its early decades. His true immortality, however, was sealed in the azzurri shirt. A key component of Vittorio Pozzo's formidable national side, Ferraris's defensive work and ball-winning prowess provided the platform for the team's attacking stars. He started every match in Italy's triumphant 1934 World Cup campaign on home soil, a tournament defined by physicality where his qualities were indispensable. His career was cut short by the war, and his life ended tragically young, but his legacy is forever part of the foundation upon which Italian football's defensive reputation was built.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Attilio was born in 1904, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Attilio Was Born
The biggest hits of 1904
Attilio's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1904Born
New York City opens its first subway line
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1909Started school
Robert Peary claims to reach the North Pole
President: William Howard Taft
1917Became a teenager
Russian Revolution overthrows the tsar; US enters WWI
President: Woodrow Wilson
1920Could drive
Women gain the right to vote in the US
Home: $3,395President: Woodrow Wilson"Swanee" — Al Jolson
1922Could vote
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1925Turned 21
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1934Turned 30
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stars Fell on Alabama" — Jack TeagardenBest Picture: It Happened One Night
1944Turned 40
D-Day: Allied forces land at Normandy
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,400Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Swinging on a Star" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Going My Way
1947Died at 43
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
Key Achievements
- Won the 1934 FIFA World Cup with Italy, starting in all four of the team's matches during the tournament.
- Earned 28 caps for the Italian national team between 1930 and 1938.
- Helped lead AS Roma to a runner-up finish in Serie A in the 1930-31 season, then the club's best-ever result.
- Won the Mitropa Cup, a prestigious Central European club competition, with Roma in 1933.
Did You Know?
He was known by the nickname 'Ferraris IV' because he was the fourth in his family to bear the name Attilio.
His brother, Alfonso Ferraris, was also a professional footballer who played as a forward.
Ferraris died suddenly at age 43 from a heart attack while playing a casual game of football with friends.
He played for Lazio early in his career before making his defining move to their rivals, AS Roma, in 1927.
“In midfield, you must win the ball and give it simply; the rest is for others.”
