Farewell, ‘Core de Roma’: former team-mates pay respects

Let’s celebrate his memory with some tributes paid by his ex-team-mates.

Fabio Capello

Capello and Losi photographed during the Champions League match with CSKA Moscow

"I’ve got great memories of Giacomo. He was my first captain at Roma. When I joined from Ferrara I was young, but he immediately welcomed me like a leader should and made feel at home. He was there for me when I needed him.

"We shared a dressing room for two seasons. He was a warm-hearted person. On the pitch he was a courageous footballer, always getting stuck in despite his lack of height. A great defender."

Francesco Cappelli

In the foreground, from left, Francesco Cappelli next to Losi

"For me, he was more than just a captain. He was like a big brother. As soon as I joined Roma he helped me a lot to bed into the new environment. Right from the outset I admired him as a footballer and respected him as a person. He was by my side during tough times, which I won’t bring up now.

"I want to make a point of highlighting Giacomo’s great humanity. He was a true symbol of a kind of football and a world that no longer exists. A time when in football passion, devotion to the shirt and brotherhood between players really mattered. We always helped each other, and he was one of the main figures in this regard. I’ll never forget him."

Sergio Carpanesi

From left, Sergio Carpanesi with Losi and Paolo Pestrin

"This news saddens me, given where I’m at in life. I also hung out with Giacomo off the pitch - he was a true friend. We were in the national team together, we became world champions together, so we knew each other even before becoming Roma team-mates.

"A great captain, an extraordinary footballer. We had a special bond as well as mutual respect and a great mutual friendship. I send my condolences to Giacomo's family, from the bottom of my heart."

Franco Cordova

Losi and Cordova

"He was my first captain. When you join Roma the club’s history really hits you, and Giacomo represents what it’s all about. He was a great captain. I was so young, and for us youngsters he was particularly helpful. He was generous with his advice and was an example of courage, character, and professional dedication. It makes me so sad to think that Giacomino is no longer here. He was a huge role model for me."

Giancarlo De Sisti

From left, De Sisti raises the Discipline Cup next to Losi who lifts the first Coppa Italia, won by Roma in 1964

"Giacomo Losi was a role model, a father figure. I'll tell you a little story. Roma had just lost a game England and we were at a training camp in Montecatini. [Francisco] Lojacono had been suffering with a bad fever for three days, but [Alfredo] Foni still intended to pick him, even though I had trained regularly with the team despite my tender years. There was uproar: Losi said that while Lojacono was a great player the young lad – meaning me – was a safe bet. Losi was not only a role model for the youngsters, but a driving force for the team through the commitment and dedication he showed.

"Losi embodied sweat, toil and sacrifice, while always playing to a high standard and using all of his talents. I’ve always admired him. It was lovely to see how he gave his heart to Roma."

Alberto Orlando

Losi training with Alberto Orlando

"Giacomo was my great captain. He was the person who taught me where I came up short in terms of being a Serie A-standard footballer. When I was in the youth team and during the week we played friendlies with the first team. He made me understand that technical qualities weren’t enough on their own – you needed determination. His example alone was enough guidance.

"He had certain limitations to his game, but he made up for it with his mentality and relentless determination. I don't remember how many times I saw him take a knock, go to the sidelines to be treated by Angelino Cerretti and return to the pitch with his head bandaged, ready to get back into action stronger than before. He made himself loved and he was always there for the youngsters. I admired him and wanted to be like him. I will always have him in my heart and he set a great example for everyone."

Elvio Salvori

On the left Elio Salvori, on the opposite side Losi

"Giacomo was a top person. He wasn't just the "Core de Roma’, as he was nicknamed. He truly had a heart of gold. I have many good memories of him and all of them are emotionally-moving. I joined Roma in 1964 and after two years I went to Atalanta, before returning to the Giallorossi in 1968.

"However, during my two-year spell in Bergamo he was always calling me, interested to know how things were going. He was a true captain and a unique footballer. He wasn't very tall, but with his explosive strength, his determination and his sense of anticipation he could fend off any kind of attacker. He was a footballing and Roma icon."

Giuseppe Tamborini

Losi and Tamborini

"He was a legend. He taught me a lot when I joined Roma from Sampdoria. He took a liking to me right away. I really appreciated this. He had nice words for everyone, especially before a match, against teams of any level - he made us feel confident. He was a huge icon - not only for Roma, but also for the Italian national team. I’ll miss him a great deal."