On this day 50 years ago, a Napoli side including Dino Zoff surrendered a 4-1 first leg lead to go out of the Fairs Cup to Scottish side Hibernian.
The competition was the precursor to the Europa League, and was initially designed to promote trade fairs, and was often played between teams from cities which were hosting such events.
The Partenopei had finished fourth in Serie A the previous season to qualify, and thrashed Hannover 96 in the first round.
On this day 50 years ago, a Napoli side including Dino Zoff surrendered a 4-1 first leg lead to go out of the Fairs Cup to Scottish side Hibernian.
The competition was the precursor to the Europa League, and was initially designed to promote trade fairs, and was often played between teams from cities which were hosting such events.
The Partenopei had finished fourth in Serie A the previous season to qualify, and thrashed Hannover 96 in the first round.
In front of a 30,000 crowd at the San Paolo, a hat-trick for Cané and another goal from Jose Altafini gave Bruno Pesaola’s side a commanding lead, despite Colin Stein’s consolation for the away side.
No Scottish side had ever beaten an Italian one over two legs, so the Neapolitans were confident of progression to the next round.
Altafini was unable to travel with a slight knock, and Napoli decided not to risk the Brazilian with what should have been an unassailable lead.
An early goal from Bobby Duncan in Edinburgh got the Hibees back into the tie, and Pat Quinn’s strike just before half-time made it 5-3 on aggregate.
With 21,000 in attendance at Easter Road, a Peter Cormack and Pat Stanton struck two quick fire goals in the 66th and 67th minutes, before Stein secured the a 6-5 aggregate win.
Napoli had conceded just five goals in their previous six matches, but shipped that same number in 90 minutes, even with the legendary Zoff between the posts.