1956 Latin Cup

The 1956 Latin Cup (Italian: Coppa Latina 1956) was the seventh edition of the annual Latin Cup which was played by clubs of the Southwest European nations of France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. The tournament was hosted by Italy, and the Italian club A.C. Milan was the winner of the tournament after defeating Athletic Bilbao by a score of 3–1 in the final match.

The host of the tournament was Italy,^[1] and all matches were played in one host stadium.

In the semi-final draw, it was determined that Benfica would face Milan and Athletic Bilbao would face Nice.^[2]

The game between the Italians and Portuguese started evenly, with a slight dominance by the Italian side, until the 18th minute, when Mariani opened the scoring. Benfica tried to respond, but in the 40th minute Schiaffino increased the advantage for the milanese team. In the second half, Benfica came out more aggressively, pressing their opponent, and in the 52nd minute reduced the deficit with a goal from Coluna. After the goal, the Portuguese team intensified its search for an equalizer, but, in the 59th minute, from a free-kick taken by midfielder Radice, Schiaffino scored again, making it 3–1. Seven minutes later, Caiado scored again to make it 3–2. Benfica continued to press in search of an equalizer, but a fourth goal from Milan defined the final result.^[3]

In the second semi-final, between Athletic Bilbao and Nice, the Spanish team started dominantly and, by half-time, had already built up the result, thanks to two goals in the 13th and 31st minutes, both scored by Markaida. In the second half, the course of the game reversed, with the French pressing and creating several goal opportunities, with Ujlaki having a goal disallowed, but the result did not change, with the Spanish team advancing to the final.^[5]

Benfica and Nice faced each other in the third-place match on July 3rd. The game was refereed by Manuel Asensi Martín of the Royal Spanish Football Federation. The Portuguese side started better, dominating and creating the main opportunities of the first half, including a shot by José Águas that hit the post. Nice responded with dangerous counter-attacks, but the first-half ended goalless. In the second half, there were no goals, and the match went to extra time. In the first period of extra time, Nice opened the scoring, forcing the lisbon team to seek an equalizer, which came in the 116th minute, forcing a second extra time. In the second extra time, Benfica regained control and in the following minutes, after a quick attacking move, José Águas scored the winning goal.^[7]

The final was played on July 4th between Milan and Athletic Bilbao. The Spanish side started better and dominated the first half with fast, intense and combative football, led by midfielders Mauri and Maguregui. Despite Bilbao's superiority, Milan took the lead in the 25th minute in a fortuitous play, against the course of the match. The Spaniards also wasted two big chnaces, including a header by Artetxe that hit the post. The equalizer came five minutes into the second half, however, Milan reacted calmly and with organization, imposing greater precision in their passing to neutralize the Basque team's speed. This change resulted in two decisive goals: one by Dal Monte and another by Schiaffino, the latter near the end of the match. Milan ended up winning 3–1, preventing the Spanish club from repeating their 1955 title.^[9]

• 1956 Mitropa Cup, a similar competition

• Latin Cup (Full Results) from RSSSF