Joe Bacuzzi - 1916-1995
A stylish full back, Bacuzzi played for England but his parents came from Milan, Italy. He failed to impress Arsenal as a trialist and signed for Fulham instead. Joe was always ready for a foray upfield and showed plenty of initiative and constructive play.
After making his debut against Chesterfield in January, 1937, Bacuzzi made 70 appearances before war was declared in 1939. He played 13 times for England in wartime internationals (also playing 104 games for Fulham) before being called up and seeing service in North Africa and Italy.
He was almost 40 when he retired in 1956 after nearly 300 First Team appearances. Joe scored Fulham’s first ever goal in Division One with a fortunate shot against Wolves in August 1949. After retiring from playing, he held the post of Reserve Team Trainer until 1965 when he was sacked by new Manager, Vic Buckingham.
Bacuzzi lived in the Clerkenwell area right up until his death, at the age of 78, in 1995.