Bruno 'Maciste' Bolchi, 82 years old, former footballer and coach, died last night in a clinic in Florence: born in Milan on 21 February 1940, he had lived for some time in Pieve a Nievole (Pistoia).
He made his Serie A debut with Inter at the age of 18, then becoming their captain three years later.
He then played with Verona, Atalanta and Turin.
His football career ended in the 1970/71 championship at the age of 30.
As a coach he was at the helm of the 'Bari dei miracoli' which, in two years, from 1983 to 1985, went up from C to A. Still in Serie A he led Cesena, Lecce and Reggina.
He earned his nickname, Maciste, at Inter for his powerful physique.
He was also the first footballer, in 1961, to appear on Panini stickers.
Condolence for the disappearance of Bolchi was expressed by the mayor of Pieve a Nievole,