Former Roma striker Ciccio Graziani has admitted he is hoping to meet Liverpool icon Bruce Grobbelaar in heaven so he can avenge his famous missed penalty in the 1948 European Cup final.
Graziani has been speaking to Il Foglio, relayed by Corriere dello Sport, when the subject of that missed penalty came up.
Liverpool and Roma met in the final of the 1984 final in the Stadio Olimpico after runs that had seen them beat the likes of Athletic Bilbao, Benfica and Dundee United respectively.
The match was Liverpool’s fourth European cup final and Roma’s first and it would be the Reds who ended up as eventual winners, and spoiled the party, after a 1-1 draw between the two sides.
They could not be separated in normal time or extra time, with Phil Neal’s 13th minute strike having been cancelled out Roberto Pruzzo.
It meant penalties ended up deciding the tie and after Steve Nicol missed Liverpool’s first Agostino Di Bartolomei converted Roma’s first, the Italians looked set for success.
However, Liverpool converted their next four while a miss from Roma’s Bruno Conti meant the pressure was on Graziani to convert to keep his side in it.
As he stepped up to the spot, one of the most famous incidents in European Cup history played out in front of him as Liverpool goalkeeper Grobbelaar started to wobble his legs in an attempt to distract his opponent.
It was a trick that worked at the Roma man placed his penalty over the crossbar, leaving Alan Kennedy to step up, convert and hand Liverpool their fourth European title.
Because of the goalkeeper’s actions it’s a moment that will forever live in the memory, and he’s hoping for a chance at redemption.
“I experience that regret as a part of me,” he said.
“I hope, however, to be able to relive that moment when Grobbelaar and I find ourselves in Paradise.
“Me again facing him, but this time, I am sure, the ball will not go out. This time I will put it in. This time it will be me exulting and dancing.”
