Pierino Prati (born 13 December 1946) was a noted Italian professional footballer, renowned as a powerful and opportunistic forward. He came to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s, most famously with AC Milan, and later turned out for several other clubs across Italy. Prati also represented the Italy national team at senior level, earning recognition for his goalscoring and aerial ability during a competitive era for Italian forwards.

Overview and career highlights

Prati is best remembered for a standout performance in the 1969 European Cup final, when he scored a hat-trick to help AC Milan secure a decisive continental victory. That achievement remains one of the most celebrated individual performances in a major European final and is a defining moment of his career. Across his club career he combined physical presence with an eye for goal, contributing important strikes in domestic and international competitions.

Club career and role

Although closely associated with AC Milan, Prati's playing career included spells with a number of Italian clubs at different levels of the professional game. Typically deployed as a centre-forward, he was valued for his heading, timing, and ability to convert chances inside the box. He could also link play and make intelligent runs behind defenders, traits that made him adaptable to various tactical systems used by Italian teams at the time.

International career and recognition

At international level Prati earned caps for Italy and took part in qualifying campaigns and friendly fixtures, contributing to the national side when called upon. While he did not become a long-term fixture in every tournament squad, his international appearances complemented a successful club career and reinforced his reputation among contemporaries.

Legacy and death

  • Remembered for the rare feat of scoring a hat-trick in a European Cup final and for decisive goals in important matches.
  • Admired for his aerial strength, finishing, and intelligence in the penalty area.
  • Left a lasting impression on AC Milan supporters and on followers of Italian football from his era.

Prati died on 22 June 2020 in Catania. Reports noted that he had been ill with cancer prior to his death. He is remembered for the memorable moments he produced on some of the sport's biggest stages and for his contribution to Italian club football history.