Franco Causio (Italian pronunciation:[ˈfraŋkoˈkauzjo]; born 1 February 1949) is an Italian former professional footballer who won the 1982 FIFA World Cup and came through the ranks of his hometown club Lecce before making his name at Juventus for many years in the 1970s and 1980s. Regarded as one of Italy's greatest ever wingers, throughout his career, he was given the nickname "The Baron",[1] because of his stylish moves on the pitch, as well as his well-educated upbringing, and his fair attitude in life.
Immediately after winning the Scudetto for the sixth time in his final season with Juventus, he moved to Udinese in 1981, where he played for three years, teaming up with Brazil national team star player Zico. Following his time at Udinese he played for Inter, and then joined his local town's football team, Lecce, in its debut in Serie A (1985–86). He finished his career playing for Serie B team Triestina at the age of 39.[2]
Regarded as one of the top Italian players of his generation, and one of the best ever Italian players in his position, Causio was usually deployed as a wide midfielder on the right flank, although he was also capable of playing in several other midfield positions, and was also often used as an offensiveplaymaker, or as a left winger. A creative, nimble, diminutive, and elegant footballer, he was gifted with excellent dribbling skills, and was an accurate crosser of the ball. In addition to his outstanding ball control and technical ability, he was also a fast and hard-working player, who possessed notable stamina, which enabled him to cover the flank effectively, and aid his team defensively as well as offensively.[6][7][8][9][10]