Antonio Roma

Who was Antonio Roma?

Antonio Roma was an Argentine football goalkeeper.

Nicknamed Tarzan for the way of throwing himself for the ball, he started his professional career with Ferrocarril Oeste in 1955, where he played until 1959. He was then transferred, together with teammate Silvio Marzolini, to Boca Juniors, where he debuted in the victory of 3 April 1960 against Estudiantes de La Plata.

Roma stayed with Boca until his retirement in 1972, becoming one of the biggest idols of the club, with total of 323 matches in all competitions. With the club Roma won the Argentine League of 1962, 1964, 1965, and the Campeonato Nacional 1969 and 1970. In 1969 he kept his goal clear for 783 minutes.

Probably the most remembered save by Antonio Roma was the penalty executed by Brazilian River's player Delem, that he sent to the corner. With only two rounds before the end of the 1962 championship, Boca and its all-time derby River Plate shared the first position at the local league. The decisive match was played at La Bombonera, Boca Juniors home stadium. Boca was ahead 1:0 when referee Nai Foino conceded a penalty to River.