Biography
Who is Alfio Basile?
Early life and playing career
Alfio Basile was born in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, on November 1, 1943. He is of Sicilian descent through his grandparents who emigrated from Catania. He began his football path at Club Bella Vista in his home city before joining Racing Club de Avellaneda in 1964. Initially playing as a midfielder, coach Juan José Pizutti moved him to the defensive line as a centre-back where he formed a strong partnership with Roberto Perfumo.
During his time with Racing Club, Alfio Basile won three titles, culminating in the 1967 Intercontinental Cup victory against Celtic FC, which was the first intercontinental title for an Argentine team. He made 186 appearances for Racing Club before transferring to Huracán. With Huracán, he became a key player in the squad that won the 1973 Metropolitano championship under manager César Luis Menotti. He also represented the Argentina national team before concluding his playing career in 1975.
Managerial achievements with clubs
Following his retirement as a player, Alfio Basile transitioned into coaching and managed numerous clubs across Argentina and abroad. His well-known club management roles included Rosario Central, Vélez Sársfield, San Lorenzo de Almagro, Uruguayan club Nacional, and Atlético Madrid in Spain. He also coached Club América in Mexico, winning the CONCACAF Giants Cup in 2001.
Alfio Basile enjoyed a highly successful tenure at Racing Club, where he won the Supercopa Sudamericana in 1988, marking the first international trophy for the club since 1967. In July 2005, he took charge of Boca Juniors and immediately secured the 2005 Recopa Sudamericana. Shortly after, he led Boca Juniors to the 2005 Apertura league title and added the 2005 Copa Sudamericana victory against UNAM Pumas. He returned to Boca Juniors later in his career to secure additional titles.
Argentina national team coaching tenures
Alfio Basile served two distinct managerial tenures with the Argentina national football team. His first period began in the early 1990s, guiding the squad to victory in the 1991 and 1993 Copa América tournaments, the 1992 FIFA Confederations Cup, and the 1993 CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions. His team experienced a major setback prior to the 1994 FIFA World Cup with a defeat against Colombia, leading to the return of Diego Maradona from retirement.
During the 1994 World Cup, Argentina started strongly before Maradona tested positive for banned substances and received a suspension. The team was eventually eliminated in the round of 16, prompting Alfio Basile to resign. He returned for a second tenure with the national team in 2006, leading the squad to a runner-up finish in the 2007 Copa América before stepping down in 2008 following a defeat against Chile in World Cup qualifiers.
Birthday and age
Alfio Basile was born on November 1, 1943, which makes Alfio 83 years old today. That birthday falls under the Scorpio sign. Alfio shares the date with 66 other famous people.
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