Claudio Gentile was anything but gentle, he kicked Maradona out of the world cup in 82. Great defender was Gentile but he took no prisoners, he wouldn't last a half of a game these days. He said something about football not being a ballet or words to that effect, certainly nowt like dancing when he was fronting an attacker up.
He would do anything to stop the opponent. It was an insult to him if he didnt stop you. In the same world cup he followed Zico everywhere. At one point Zico made him look daft but Gentile just became more nasty. He was superb.
That was an epic World Cup, those 3 games of Italy v Argentina v Brazil were pure gold. That group of Italy, Brazil and Argentina was brutal, 3 massively competitive games with no quarters given. Then after an easier game against Poland in the semi Italy then defeated West Germany in the final, that was one hard won World cup win and fully deserved.
