Career
He played the first of these finals with his native Argentina in 1930, which was lost to Uruguay. And the second with Italy as one of their Oriundi in 1934, thanks to his Romagnol descent. This second time Monti was on the winning side in a 2–1 victory over Czechoslovakia.
Monti was a rugged and ruthless player, but had the technical skills to go with his strong tackling.
He played as an attacking centre half in the old-fashioned Metodo system: a position roughly equivalent to the defensive central midfield position of today. He was nicknamed doble ancho (double wide) due to his coverage of the pitch.
Argentina The following year he signed with Boca Juniors but left without playing a game. All of Monti"s honours in Argentina were recorded during the Amateur Era.
Monti was first called up to represent the Argentine national team in 1924.
With Monti as a key player, Argentina cruised to the World Cup final in 1930, defeating France, Mexico, Chile, and the United States. Monti scored two goals along the way, and injured opponents with his tackling. Some sources speculate that Monti was carrying an injury, but whatever the truth, and despite a death threat, he had a quiet game as Uruguay triumphed 4–2.
Italy In 1931 Monti was signed by the Italian club, as he had Italian citizenship.
As he was overweight and out of condition, he had a month"s solitary training. Monti was back to top form helping to four consecutive Serie A titles (1932 to 1935).
Monti went on to play 225 matches and score 19 goals in Italy. He was also called up, within a year, to play for the Italian national team as an oriundo.
The Battle of Highbury The Battle of Highbury is a match that took place between Italy and England on November 14, 1934 at Highbury, the home ground of Arsenal.
Monti was playing centre half for Italy, but as early as the second minute he broke a bone in his foot after a clash with England centre forward Ted Drake. Down to 10 men, in the days before substitutes, Italy succumbed 2–3. Monti was only to play twice more for Italy.
Monti became manager after retiring.
He died in 1983 aged 82. Argentina"s goal tally first Club International Individual.