In 1958, when he was still playing with Novara, he decided to retire having reached the age of forty.

Four years later he was also called up to the national team for the 1954 World Cup, where he wore the number 10 shirt, becoming the first Italian player to wear the iconic jersey in a World Cup as it was the first tournament which required players to wear numbers on their shirts.

[2] Despite not initially having the best technique as a youngster, Cappello later developed into a highly skilful and creative forward, who was known for his feints, close control and dribbling skills, as well as his poor work-rate and inconsistency.

Initially an advanced playmaker or second striker, Cappello was capable of playing anywhere along the front-line, on either wing or even in the centre.

An instinctive and opportunistic player, with an eye for goal, he naturally adapted to the centre forward position; his main characteristic was to become completely separated from the game for long periods, only to suddenly pull off a crucial assist or the winning goal with one of his only shots or touches of the match.