Ernesto Castano
# Ernesto Castano

Ernesto Castano (Italian pronunciation:; 2 May 1939 – 5 January 2023) was an Italian professional footballer who played as a defender. Throughout his club career he played for Legnano, Triestina, and Juventus, winning domestic titles at the latter club. At international level, he was a member of the Italy national team that won UEFA Euro 1968.

## Club career

Castano was born in Cinisello Balsamo in the Province of Milan. He played club football for three Italian clubs throughout his career: Legnano, Triestina, and most prominently with Juventus, where he won several domestic titles, also serving as the team's captain.

## International career

At international level, Castano also played for the Italy national team on seven occasions between 1959 and 1969, winning the 1968 UEFA European Championship on home soil.

## Italian Footballers Association

On 3 July 1968, Castano founded the Italian Footballers' Association (AIC), in Milan, along with a number of fellow players including Giacomo Bulgarelli, Sandro Mazzola, Gianni Rivera, Giancarlo De Sisti, and Giacomo Losi. The recently retired Sergio Campana, also a lawyer, was appointed president of the association.

## Death

Castano died on 5 January 2023, at the age of 83.

## Honours

Juventus

* Coppa Italia: 1958–59, 1959–60, 1964–65
* Serie A 1959–60, 1960–61, 1966–67

Italy

* UEFA European Football Championship: 1968
