Umberto Caligaris was considered one of the greatest Italian defenders prior to World War II. He normally played at left back, starting with AS Casale and FC Juventus, before finishing his career with Brescia. With Juventus, Caligaris won five consecutive Italian Championships, 1931-35. He earned 59 caps with the Azzurri, an Italian record for many years, lasting until 1971. In addition to his 1928 Olympic bronze medal, Caligaris played on the Italian team that won the 1934 FIFA World Cup.
After he retired as a player, Caligaris coached Brescia and Juventus. Caligaris coached Juventus from 1939 until his sudden death in Torino from an aneurysm.