The Italian Defender Who Could Have Been Arsenal Captain

Today marks the 14th anniversary of the tragic death of Niccolo Galli - an ex-Arsenal youth player tipped for greatness who lost his life in a road traffic accident in 2001 whilst on loan.

The name Niccolo Galli will mean something to few people but for a cruel twist of fate it could have been spoken in the same esteem as Adams, Vieira, Rocastle and George.

The son of former Italian international goalkeeper Giovanni Galli, Niccolo began his career at hometown club, Fiorentina, before sealing a move to Arsenal in August 1999. Niccolo was part of the winning 2000 FA Youth Cup team and was highly rated by Arsène Wenger and Liam Brady who believed he had all the necessary attributes to make it at Arsenal.

A tall and powerfully built centre-back, Niccolo showed incredible composure on the ball in true Italian style and was a dominant presence in the air. Head of Youth Development at the time, Liam Brady, described him as "an intelligent and skill full defender".

After one year in London he was loaned to Bologna so he could finish his studies in Italy. Niccolo, despite being only 17, managed to perform his way into the first team and made one appearance in Serie A before his fatal motorcycle accident. In his honour Bologna retired his number 27 shirt and gave his name to their training ground.

Arsène Wenger said of Galli: "I have no doubt in my mind that had he lived, he would have been Captain of Arsenal, and of Italy"

Galli was certainly highly regarded at Arsenal, and Bologna, and had he returned to Arsenal he had some fine mentors to learn from.

There are no plans for the first team squad to wear armbands today but for a talented centre-back educated in the art of Italian defending a clean sheet win would be a fine tribute.

RIP Niccolo.

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