Giuliano Giuliani, known as the “goalkeeper of Maradona,” was a paradoxical figure in the world of football. He was remembered for his role in the Napoli Uefa Cup victory in 1989 and the 1990 Serie A title, but his life took a tragic turn.
He succumbed to a lung complication related to AIDS at the age of 38, two decades after his passing on November 14, 1996. Giuliani’s life was marked by both triumphs and struggles.
Giuliani’s career was marred by his battle with AIDS, possibly contracted during Maradona’s wedding celebration in Argentina. He had retired in 1994 due to health issues and faced legal troubles, though he was acquitted of drug-related charges.
Despite his personal challenges, his former coach Osvaldo Bagnoli remembers him as a talented goalkeeper, and his death was deeply felt by those who knew him. Giuliani’s career as a goalkeeper was noteworthy, replacing Garella in Verona and making significant contributions to Napoli alongside Maradona.
He was admired for his professionalism on the field and for his innovative ideas off the field, such as designing and marketing jerseys. However, the stigma associated with AIDS during that era led to Giuliani being largely forgotten by the football community, overshadowed by the fear and misunderstanding of the disease.
His friends and colleagues fondly recall his maturity, forward-thinking nature, and dedication to the sport and life. Despite his struggles, he was remembered as a good person and a top-quality goalkeeper, leaving a positive impression on those who knew him.
Giuliani’s untimely death served as a poignant reminder of the challenges he faced and the impact he had on those around him, both on and off the field.