Johnny Moscardini was born in Falkirk in 1897 and, after joining the Italian army during the first world war, he returned to the family town of Barga in Tuscany where he played football for the local team. It was there his talent as a forward was spotted and he went on to play for Lucchese (5 years), Pisa, Genoa as well as for Italy. In one season (1924-1925) he scored 18 goals for Pisa.
His skills were recognised by his country and he went on to score 7 goals in 9 appearances between 1921 - 1925, which by today's standards is some return.
Johnny was the first Pisa player ever capped by Italy and (probably) the only Scotsman to play for Italy.
A quote from his nephew explaining Moscardini’s somewhat modest deal at Lucchese and lack of income from football suggests why he returned to Scotland to manage an uncle's shop in Campbeltown:
“They gave him the return train ticket from Mologno to Lucca, if they won they gave him a bottle of olive oil, if they drew he got a bottle of wine, and if they lost he got nothing.”
After Campbeltown he headed east to Prestwick where he set up the Lake Cafe on the Main Street.
He lived in Prestwick until he died in 1985 at the age of 88.