The 1973 format – rather different to that of the 1971 edition previously covered on these pages – saw the ‘points-for-goals’ rule abandoned, and the Eagles instead facing four different Italian sides while competing for qualification against three other English teams.
A 4-1 win against Verona at Selhurst Park in February 1973 was followed by a 1-0 away win in Bari in March, shortly before Malcolm Allison took the reins at Selhurst Park.
Four days after his appointment, a 3-1 win at home to Lazio – John Craven grabbing a hat-trick – left Palace in need of a point in Florence to qualify for the semi-finals.
The game arrived on 2nd May 1973 – mere days after Palace suffered relegation from Division One – but, as one eyewitness told us, proved quite the occasion for all involved...
The inside story
Hailing from just south of Rome, David Cianfarani – a long-time Season Ticket Holder at Selhurst Park – grew up serving Italian ice cream not far from the ground in Norwood, his great-grandfather having founded the Marcantonio brand so popular across South London.
A member at Selhurst Park’s Glaziers Club – often frequented by fans, players and staff alike – David got to know players including Peter Wall and Mel Blyth, among others.