Giorgio Puia (Italian pronunciation: [ˈdʒordʒo ˈpuːja]; born 8 March 1938) is an Italian former professional footballer and manager. He played as a defender, most notably for Torino, and earned caps for the Italy national team, including participation in the 1970 FIFA World Cup.
Early life and youth career
Puia was born in Gorizia, Italy. He began his football development with A.S. Pro Gorizia, where he played until 1958.
Senior club career
- Triestina (1958–1960) – Puia made 32 league appearances, scoring 7 goals.
- L.R. Vicenza (1960–1963) – He appeared in 81 matches and scored 19 goals.
- Torino (1963–1972) – The most prominent period of his playing career, during which he amassed 250 league caps and 10 goals. Over his entire senior career, Puia recorded 363 appearances and 36 goals.
International career
Puia earned seven caps for the Italy national team between 1962 and 1970. He was selected for the squad that finished as runners‑up at the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, although he did not feature in the final match.
Managerial career
After retiring as a player, Puia embarked on a coaching career, managing several lower‑division clubs:
- Ivrea (1974–1975)
- Biellese (1976–1977)
- Latina (1983–1984)
Honours
Club – While at Torino, Puia contributed to the team’s domestic successes during the 1960s, though specific titles are not listed in the available sources.
Legacy
Puia is remembered as a versatile defender who transitioned from a successful playing career to management, representing a generation of Italian footballers active during the 1960s and early 1970s.
