Torino 1942–1949: Il Grande Torino and the Tragedy of Superga

Were Torino of the 1940s the greatest team Italy has ever produced — and how did tragedy immortalise their legacy?

Episode Summary

In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by regular guest Phil Craig to tell the incredible, yet tragic, story of Il Grande Torino (1942–1949).

Built by visionary president Ferruccio Novo and shaped by coach Ernő Erbstein, Torino dominated Italian football during the 1940s, winning five consecutive league titles and becoming the first Italian side to achieve the domestic double. At the heart of the team was Valentino Mazzola, a leader whose influence extended far beyond the pitch.

But their story ended in heartbreak. On 4 May 1949, the team perished in the Superga air disaster, a tragedy that shook Italy and left an irreplaceable void in both Torino and the national team. The episode reflects on their tactical innovations, the resilience of Erbstein, and how Torino’s memory continues to shape Italian football — from Sandro Mazzola’s career to the annual pilgrimages to Superga.

Style of Play

Il Grande Torino epitomised attacking flair and tactical modernity, with a fluid system built on quick passing, intelligent movement, and relentless pressure. Novo and Erbstein’s vision emphasised collective strength, while Mazzola’s leadership gave the side its emotional heartbeat. They were innovators, setting the template for Italian football dominance.

🔑 Takeaways

• Ferruccio Novo’s vision and Ernő Erbstein’s tactics transformed Torino
• Valentino Mazzola as captain, talisman, and symbol of the era
• Five straight league titles and Italy’s first league-and-cup double
• The devastating Superga air disaster of 1949
• Torino’s enduring legacy in Italian football and cultural memory

👉 Call to Action

Listen now and honour the story of Il Grande Torino — a team of brilliance, tragedy, and eternal greatness.

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