Enrique Guaita (11 July 1910 – 18 May 1959), known as "Enrico Guaita" because of his period in Italy, was an Argentine international footballer who spent his career between Italy and of course Argentina. With caps for both Itay and Argentina national team, Guaita was an incredible striker able to score 28 goals in 29 games for AS Roma in the 1934-35 season.

In Argentina he played for Racing Club de Avellaneda and Estudiantes de La Plata before going to Italy, to join A.S. Roma (from 1933 to 1935). During that time he was part of the Italian national team (10 caps and 5 goals) , scoring the only goal in the 1934 FIFA World Cup Semifinal against Austria.

That Cup ended in glory for him (and Italy as well) when “azzurri” beat Czechoslovakia winning their first trophy.

Back to Argentina to avoid the army call (according to newspapers of that time) he tried to play again but soon retired with 30 years old only.

Employed as director of Bahia Blanca Prison, Enrique lost the job very soon and started his decline.

Guaita died aged 48 in poverty.

Did you know?

- Guaita got 14 international caps playing 10 times for Italy and 4 with Argentina

- During his career he won the FIFA World Cup 1934 with Italy and the Southamerican Championship 1937 (the 14th Copa America hosted by Argentina)

- During his career he officially played with just 3 teams: Estudiantes (Arg), AS Roma (Italy) and Racing Avellaneda (Arg).

(S. Siviero)