Batigol: The Early Years

Mention the name Gabriel Batistuta and one word springs to mind - Batigol. It was the nickname used lovingly to describe the striker that terrorised defences in Europe during the 1990s and early 2000s. His exploits for Fiorentina and then Roma are well known, but it is his early days that are less explored, a tale as compelling as his peak years and later days in his footballing career.

Born on 1st February 1969, Gabriel Batistuta may have decided to play another sport were it not for his idol Mario Kempes' exploits that helped Argentina win the 1978 World Cup. Initially joining a junior team in Platense, it was in the provincial championships that he would receive his first break, scoring two goals to defeat Newell's Old Boys. Impressed by what they saw, Newell's under manager Marcelo Bielsa were able to persuade the youngster to make the journey to Rosario and sign for them.

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Bielsa saw a rough diamond in Batistuta - physical, tall and good in the air. Implementing a diet would pay off as the youngster would impress at the youth level. His reward would be his first team debut in the league against San Martín de Tucumán in September 1988. He would also make a good impression in the 1988 Copa Libertadores final vs Nacional, even though Newell lost to the Uruguayans, Batistuta won plaudits for his spirited display.