Name: Costanzo Balleri
Nickname: "Lupo"
Country:
ItalyClub: U.S. Livorno (1953-1959), S.P.A.L. (1959-1960)
Position: *DMF, CB, SB
Side: RF/RS
Age: 23-27 years (20/08/1933)
Height: 181 cm
Weight: 78 kg
Attack: 66
Defence: 77
Balance: 84
Stamina: 84
Top Speed: 75
Acceleration: 74
Response: 78
Agility: 72
Dribble Accuracy: 75
Dribble Speed: 71
Short Pass Accuracy: 76
Short Pass Speed: 73
Long Pass Accuracy: 80
Long Pass Speed: 75
Shot Accuracy: 63
Shot Power: 80
Shot Technique: 64
Free Kick Accuracy: 76
Curling: 69
Header: 75
Jump: 72
Technique: 81
Aggression: 67
Mentality: 79
Goalkeeper Skills: 50
Team Work: 81
Injury Tolerance: B
Condition: 6
Weak Foot Accuracy: 5
Weak Foot Frequency: 5
Consistency: 6
Growth type: Standard/Lasting
CARDS:
P06 - Pinpoint Pass
S09 - Covering
SPECIAL ABILITIES: - Covering
Attack/Defence Awareness Card: Defence Minded
INFO:
Balleri was a right-half and right-back. He spent the majority of his career at Livorno where he played from 1953 to 1959 ─ mostly in Serie C ─ and 1965 to 1967 for a total 196 appearances and 9 goals. Considered too good for Serie C, he was signed by Serie A club Spal in 1959 and played 30 matches in a season. He also played for Torino, Inter ─ he didn't last long due to his rebellious attitude ─ Modena and Montevarchi. He retired in 1970.
Gifted with a strong physique and great temperament, Balleri was a good player who didn't disappoint in Serie A. While his imposing size intimidated his opponents, he also showed excellent technique and uncommon vision with his good long passes. Coach Giuseppe Viani described him as a defensive midfielder with high class and rare technique. He's not only remembered for his class but also for his fair share of goals considering his defensive role. He was a solid free kick taker and, in fact, one specific and historical goal came from a masterful free kick when he scored the winning goal in a derby against Pisa on 5th December 1965.