Vialli: more than a memory

VIALLI
Time flies: a year has already passed since the death of Gianluca Vialli. The book The important things collects many of his thoughts: «If you truly find a purpose in life, and it is rare, you have to give everything. You have to look for other people involved like you in the same mission. Then it becomes something extraordinary: emotion, brotherhood, friendship, sharing are created. Values are generated, which you will carry within you for your entire existence. Forever".
EXISTENTIAL

PELÉ
A year ago, like Vialli, Pelé, a legend of world football, died at the age of 82. At the archdiocesan Sanctuary of Christ the Redeemer, in Rio de Janeiro, a message from Pope Francis was read: «Many of the virtues necessary to practice a sporting activity, such as perseverance, constancy and temperance, are also part of the Christian virtues . Pelé was an athlete who demonstrated these positive characteristics of sport in his life."
EMBLEMATIC

PANDEV
The historic striker from North Macedonia, Italy's recent opponent in the European qualifiers, confesses: «I help my country with football schools, where we educate on the healthy values of sport». After playing for Inter, Lazio, Napoli and Genoa, he began his post-competitive life in Strumica, where he founded the Akademija Pandev. Starting from the fourth series, he has now arrived, step by step, up to Serie A.
VISIONARY

SHAKHTAR
The Ukrainian players of Shakhtar Donetsk, capable of beating Barcelona in the Champions League, are forced to constantly play away from home due to the war. In the championship, it even happens that matches are interrupted due to bomb scares. Palkin, the club's CEO, said: "It is very important for us to show the whole world that Ukraine is alive, and that no one has managed to destroy us."
INDEMITABLE

VALLERINI
Now that he is 50 years old, it is nice to remember Victor Claudio Vallerini. He is the son of Alessandro, originally from Versilia and missionary in Mato Grosso in Brazil. Back in Italy, in Camaiore, a car broke his tibia and fibula, and he started playing football as therapy, becoming a champion. The great Zoff, in Lazio, called him to the first team, but, in 1992, he chose the path of the seminary. The ways of the Lord are infinite.
CALLED

UNIVERSITY
After 10 years, Universitario wins their twenty-seventh Peruvian title, beating Alianza in the Lima derby. This is followed by the ugly gesture of the spotlights being turned off by the opponents to sabotage the party and the thanksgiving mass. The University student goes around the field, lighting up with his smartphones. He then reconciles with his rivals in front of an altar. It is no coincidence that it is called the “Royal and Pontifical University of the City of the Kings of Lima”.
DEVOTED

BLESSING
At Littleton Elementary School, there is a quote attributed to basketball champion Jokic: "One assist makes 2 people happy." The assist achieved by the Benedazione family at the pediatric hospital in Rome makes many more happy. A basketball court made of anti-trauma and colorful material, for children and teenagers undergoing neuro-rehabilitation. Carlo Federico Benedetta had died of a rare spinal cord tumor.
GENEROUS

Carlo Nesti
www.carlonesti.it
NP February 2024