Luis Monti
Encyclopedia
Luis Felipe Monti was an Italian Argentine
footballer who played as a midfielder. Monti has the distinction of having played in two FIFA World Cup
final matches with two different national teams. He played the first of these finals with his native Argentina
in 1930
, which he lost to Uruguay
; and the second with Italy
as one of their Oriundi
in 1934
. This second time Monti was on the winning side in a 2-1 victory over Czechoslovakia
.
Monti was a rugged and ruthless player, but had the technical skills to go with his strong tackling. He played as an attacking centre half in the old-fashioned Metodo system: a position roughly equivalent to the defensive central midfield position of today. As such he would mark the opposing centre forward when his team were defending, but would be the main midfield playmaker
when his team were on the attack. He was nicknamed doble ancho (double wide) due to his coverage of the pitch.
, where he won the first of his many championships. The following year he signed with Boca Juniors
but left without playing a game. He joined San Lorenzo
where he won a further three Argentine championships. All of Monti's honours in Argentina were recorded during the Amateur Era
.
Monti was first called up to represent the Argentine national team
in 1924. He won the 1927 South American Championship and the Silver Medal at the 1928 Summer Olympics
. With Monti as a key player, Argentina cruised to the World Cup
final in 1930
, defeating France
, Mexico
, Chile
, and the United States
. Monti scored two goals along the way, and injured opponents with his tackling. Some sources speculate that Monti was carrying an injury, but whatever the truth, and despite a death threat, he had a quiet game as Uruguay
triumphed 4-2.
titles (1932 to 1935). Monti went on to play 225 matches and score 19 goals in Italy.
He was also called up, within a year, to play for the Italian national team
as an oriundo
. Hosts Italy won their way to the 1934 World Cup
final and defeated Czechoslovakia
2-1.
is a match that took place between Italy and England
on November 14, 1934 at Highbury
, the home ground of Arsenal
. Monti was playing centre half for Italy, but as early as the second minute he broke a bone in his foot after a clash with England centre forward Ted Drake
. Down to 10 men, in the days before substitutes, Italy succumbed 2-3. Monti was only to play twice more for Italy.
In total Monti won 16 caps (5 goals) for Argentina between 1924 and 1931, and 18 caps (1 goal) for Italy between 1932 and 1936.
after retiring. He died in 1983 aged 82.
Italian Argentine
An Italian Argentine is a person born in Argentina of Italian ancestry. It is estimated up to 25 million Argentines have some degree of Italian descent...
footballer who played as a midfielder. Monti has the distinction of having played in two FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
final matches with two different national teams. He played the first of these finals with his native Argentina
Argentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
in 1930
1930 FIFA World Cup
The 1930 FIFA World Cup was the inaugural FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in Uruguay from 13 July to 30 July 1930...
, which he lost to Uruguay
Uruguay national football team
The Uruguayan national football team represents Uruguay in international association football and is controlled by the Uruguayan Football Association, the governing body for football in Uruguay. The current head coach is Óscar Tabárez...
; and the second with Italy
Italy national football team
The Italy National Football Team , represents Italy in association football and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation , the governing body for football in Italy. Italy is the second most successful national team in the history of the World Cup having won four titles , just one fewer than...
as one of their Oriundi
Oriundi
Oriundi is a 1999 movie starring Anthony Quinn about an Italian oriundo family in Brazil. Oriundo is an Italian word used to describe foreign-born Italian nationals, especially South Americans of Italian heritage....
in 1934
1934 FIFA World Cup
The 1934 FIFA World Cup was the second FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in Italy from 27 May to 10 June 1934....
. This second time Monti was on the winning side in a 2-1 victory over Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia national football team
The Czechoslovakia national football team was the national association football team of Czechoslovakia from 1922 to 1993. At the dissolution of Czechoslovakia at the end of 1992, the team was participating in UEFA qualifying Group 4 for the 1994 World Cup; it completed this campaign under the name...
.
Monti was a rugged and ruthless player, but had the technical skills to go with his strong tackling. He played as an attacking centre half in the old-fashioned Metodo system: a position roughly equivalent to the defensive central midfield position of today. As such he would mark the opposing centre forward when his team were defending, but would be the main midfield playmaker
Playmaker
In association football, a playmaker is a player who controls the flow of the team's offensive play, and is often involved in passing moves which lead to goals....
when his team were on the attack. He was nicknamed doble ancho (double wide) due to his coverage of the pitch.
Argentina
Monti started his career in 1921 with HuracánClub Atlético Huracán
Club Atlético Huracán is a sports club from the Parque Patricios neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The football team currently plays in the Primera B Nacional, the second level of the Argentine football league system. Huracán home stadium is the Estadio Tomás Adolfo Ducó.Huracán was...
, where he won the first of his many championships. The following year he signed with Boca Juniors
Boca Juniors
Club Atlético Boca Juniors is an Argentine sports club based in La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently plays in the Primera División....
but left without playing a game. He joined San Lorenzo
Club Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro
Club Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro is an Argentine sports club based in Boedo neighbourhood, Buenos Aires, mostly known because of its football team....
where he won a further three Argentine championships. All of Monti's honours in Argentina were recorded during the Amateur Era
Amateur Era in Argentine football
The amateur era in Argentine football lasted between 1891 and 1931.-History:The first league tournament outside the United Kingdom took place in Argentina in 1891, it was dominated by British expatriate players and teams. The Scottish influence is evident in the names of the league's first winners...
.
Monti was first called up to represent the Argentine national team
Argentina national football team
The Argentina national football team represents Argentina in association football and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association , the governing body for football in Argentina. Argentina's home stadium is Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti and their head coach is Alejandro...
in 1924. He won the 1927 South American Championship and the Silver Medal at the 1928 Summer Olympics
Football at the 1928 Summer Olympics
Football at the 1928 Summer Olympics tournament, won by Uruguay against Argentina, would be the precursor to the first FIFA World Cup held in 1930 in Uruguay.-Medalists:-Background:...
. With Monti as a key player, Argentina cruised to the World Cup
FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
final in 1930
1930 FIFA World Cup
The 1930 FIFA World Cup was the inaugural FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in Uruguay from 13 July to 30 July 1930...
, defeating France
France national football team
The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football. It is fielded by the French Football Federation , the governing body of football in France, and competes as a member of UEFA, which encompasses the countries of Europe...
, Mexico
Mexico national football team
The Mexican national football team represents Mexico in association football and is governed by the Mexican Football Federation , the governing body for football in Mexico. Mexico's home stadium is the Estadio Azteca and their head coach is José Manuel de la Torre...
, Chile
Chile national football team
The Chilean national football team represents Chile in all major international football competitions. The team is controlled by the Federación de Fútbol de Chile which was established in 1895. They have appeared in eight World Cup tournaments and were hosts of the 1962 FIFA World Cup finishing in...
, and the United States
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
. Monti scored two goals along the way, and injured opponents with his tackling. Some sources speculate that Monti was carrying an injury, but whatever the truth, and despite a death threat, he had a quiet game as Uruguay
Uruguay national football team
The Uruguayan national football team represents Uruguay in international association football and is controlled by the Uruguayan Football Association, the governing body for football in Uruguay. The current head coach is Óscar Tabárez...
triumphed 4-2.
Italy
In 1931 Monti was signed by the Italian club Juventus, as he had Italian citizenship. As he was overweight and out of condition, he had a month's solitary training. Monti was back to top form helping Juventus to four consecutive Serie ASerie A
Serie A , now called Serie A TIM due to sponsorship by Telecom Italia, is a professional league competition for football clubs located at the top of the Italian football league system and has been operating for over eighty years since 1929. It had been organized by Lega Calcio until 2010, but a new...
titles (1932 to 1935). Monti went on to play 225 matches and score 19 goals in Italy.
He was also called up, within a year, to play for the Italian national team
Italy national football team
The Italy National Football Team , represents Italy in association football and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation , the governing body for football in Italy. Italy is the second most successful national team in the history of the World Cup having won four titles , just one fewer than...
as an oriundo
Oriundo
The term oriundo is an Italian and Spanish noun describing an immigrant of native ancestry. It comes from the Latin verb oriri , "be born", and is related to Orient.- Overview :...
. Hosts Italy won their way to the 1934 World Cup
1934 FIFA World Cup
The 1934 FIFA World Cup was the second FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in Italy from 27 May to 10 June 1934....
final and defeated Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia national football team
The Czechoslovakia national football team was the national association football team of Czechoslovakia from 1922 to 1993. At the dissolution of Czechoslovakia at the end of 1992, the team was participating in UEFA qualifying Group 4 for the 1994 World Cup; it completed this campaign under the name...
2-1.
The Battle of Highbury
The Battle of HighburyBattle of Highbury
The "Battle of Highbury" was the name given to the football match between England and Italy that took place on 14 November 1934 at Arsenal Stadium, Highbury, London...
is a match that took place between Italy and England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
on November 14, 1934 at Highbury
Highbury
- Early Highbury :The area now known as Islington was part of the larger manor of Tolentone, which is mentioned in the Domesday Book. Tolentone was owned by Ranulf brother of Ilger and included all the areas north and east of Canonbury and Holloway Road. The manor house was situated by what is now...
, the home ground of Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
. Monti was playing centre half for Italy, but as early as the second minute he broke a bone in his foot after a clash with England centre forward Ted Drake
Ted Drake
Edward Joseph "Ted" Drake was an English football player and manager. As a player, he first played for Southampton but made his name playing for Arsenal in the 1930s, winning two league titles and an FA Cup, as well as five caps for England. He was also a cricketer, but only ever played sparingly...
. Down to 10 men, in the days before substitutes, Italy succumbed 2-3. Monti was only to play twice more for Italy.
In total Monti won 16 caps (5 goals) for Argentina between 1924 and 1931, and 18 caps (1 goal) for Italy between 1932 and 1936.
After football
Monti became managerManager (association football)
In association football, a manager is responsible for running a football club or a national team. The manager of a professional club is responsible directly to the club president. The position of manager is almost exclusively used in British football...
after retiring. He died in 1983 aged 82.
Honours
- Huracán
- Argentine Primera División (1): 19211921 in Argentine football-Copa Campeonato: 1. Huracán 18 14 3 1 54 15 31 2. Del Plata 18 12 4 2 27 11 28 3. Boca Juniors 18 10 5 3 30 17 25...
- Argentine Primera División (1): 1921
- San Lorenzo
- Argentine Primera División (3): 19231923 in Argentine football-Copa Campeonato: 1 Boca Juniors 30 24 3 3 87 19 51 1 Huracán 29 23 5 1 71 20 51 3 Sportivo Barracas 28 18 4 6 60 28 40 4 Sportivo Dock Sud 28 13 11 4 35 21 37...
, 19241924 in Argentine football-Copa Campeonato: 1. Boca Juniors 19 18 1 0 67 8 37 2. Temperley 21 13 6 2 35 16 32 3. Sportivo Dock Sud 21 12 5 4 28 16 29...
, 19271927 in Argentine footballIn 1927 the Argentine league system was reunified under the name "Asociación Amateurs Argentina de Football". The championship was won by San Lorenzo de Almagro.-League table:*Talleres had 2 points deducted.-Relegation:...
- Argentine Primera División (3): 1923
- Juventus
- Serie ASerie ASerie A , now called Serie A TIM due to sponsorship by Telecom Italia, is a professional league competition for football clubs located at the top of the Italian football league system and has been operating for over eighty years since 1929. It had been organized by Lega Calcio until 2010, but a new...
(4): 1931–32, 1932–33, 1933–34, 1934–35 - Coppa ItaliaCoppa ItaliaThe Coppa Italia is an Italian football annual cup competition. Its first edition was held in 1922, but the second champions were not crowned until 1936. Roma and Juventus lead the way with nine wins. Roma has contested more finals, 16, while Torino and Juventus follow with 13...
(1): 1937–381937–38 Coppa Italia- Qualifying Round :5 September 1937Aquila - Sime Popoli 1-0Casale - Derthona Tortona 5-2Civitavecchia - MATER Roma 1-2Cusiana Omegna - Gallaratese 4-2...
- Serie A
- Argentina national team
- South American ChampionshipCopa AméricaThe Copa América —previously known as South American Championship—is an international football competition contested between the men's national teams of CONMEBOL, the sport's continental governing body...
(1): 1927 - Silver Medal at the Summer OlympicsFootball at the Summer OlympicsAssociation football, usually known simply as football or soccer, has been included in every Olympiad except 1896 and 1932 as a men's competition sport. Women's football was added to the official programme in 1996.-Early history:...
(1): 1928 AmsterdamFootball at the 1928 Summer OlympicsFootball at the 1928 Summer Olympics tournament, won by Uruguay against Argentina, would be the precursor to the first FIFA World Cup held in 1930 in Uruguay.-Medalists:-Background:...
- South American Championship
- Italy national team
- FIFA World CupFIFA World CupThe FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
(1): 19341934 FIFA World CupThe 1934 FIFA World Cup was the second FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in Italy from 27 May to 10 June 1934....