Simplify the following text for a Grade 8 native English-speaking person.
Original: Valentino Mazzola ( January 26 , 1919 - May 4 , 1949 ) was an Italian footballer and captain of the legendary Grande Torino side killed in the Superga air disaster .
Simplified: Valentino Mazzola ( born 26 January 1919 - died 4 May 1949 ) was a Italian football player .