LIVORNO. Here it is “Livorno is us”. A project illustrated in front of a thousand fans in a sold out Goldoni Theatre, under a deluge of chants and applause. The organizers could not hope for a more beautiful evening. Among those present was also Mayor Salvetti who followed the evening from the audience “as a simple fan” as he himself said. Gianni Tacchi hosts the evening: a top-level professional. On an evening like this, being one of Joel Esciua’s “purged” becomes a medal. «It’s the evening of the people of Livorno», he announces, while the fans are already singing “Livorno, Livorno is us”.
Locatelli and the project
It shows up Andrea Locatelli, talks about his origins from Livorno, then immediately warns: «We only want Us Livorno, there are no plan B, there will never be the possibility of sharing the love for this shirt. Mr. Esciua made some incorrect statements, I tried in every way to contact him.” And in the background screen-shots of emails, WhatsApp and calls arrive. «The company would be bought by a group of entrepreneurs who, in the event of a purchase, would give the majority to the fans. However, we are not faced with a pure popular shareholder base because 49%, i.e. the entrepreneurs, are supportive of the project and passionate but without the entrepreneurial approach. The hypothesis of how the company will be formed? A board of directors with 11 members, of which 6 appointed by 51%, including the president, and 5 by 49%. Plus there will be a series of committees that will deal with various aspects, for example travel, organization of parties and initiatives, merchandising, relations with the city). to finance the company, and more, ed). This way we guarantee maximum participation.” And Locatelli reveals that 8 entrepreneurs have already signed up, while another 8 are ready to enter, plus others who have opened their doors. Then an indication: «We imagine three levels of involvement. The first is a commitment of 200 euros (which involves a strong discount on the subscription) which is valid for the first year, but then in the following years it will be much, much lower. The other three quotas will be, for those who want, 500 and 1000 euros.” But why specifically in Livorno? «Livorno is a team that is popular throughout Italy, the love for this shirt is well known. I’m sure that even people from outside Livorno will approach this project.”
The proposal
Locatelli showed the documents which testify how 600 thousand euros were paid to the notary’s office, and the documents from the certified e-mail that was sent to Esciua. The offer is 600 thousand or the same amount he paid last year. “If I buy the car, the old owner can’t tell me that he wants the money for how much petrol he put in it.” He offer which will be valid until May 31st.
Giovannini on the front line
Locatelli also confirms what we anticipated a few days ago, namely the handshake with Paolo Giovannini. Who even goes on stage: «The project and the people who wanted me, starting with Cristiano Lucarelli, led me to say yes. I’m ready to wait to win in Livorno.”
Igor’s greeting
There is not Protti, who had to leave abroad at the last minute, but Igor says goodbye via video message: «This project puts the fans at the centre. The system proposed by Locatelli has proven in Germany to work very well: I’m not saying that it can be promised in three years in Serie B or in the Champions League. I don’t promise. But this system would certainly prevent another failure. “Livorno is us” is the slogan that I feel is mine, because the fans are the true soul of football. What I can guarantee is that, if this project is successful, I will be present in the 51%, for any other involvement the majority will decide. Go Livorno.”
The fans
Some fans also took to the stage. The first was Antonella Romanacci, who after 167 trips, decided not to go this year. «I am enthusiastic about this project with the fans at the center of everything. Finally we think about the person and not the product. A product (with reference to Esciua, ndc) which we just haven’t digested.” Also on stage were two representatives of the Curva Nord, namely Lenny Bottai and Massimiliano Frasca. «We need to regain the pleasure of going to the stadium – says Lenny Bottai – and if not now, when? Spinelli told us to exit the UEFA Cup, here I say that the fans have the right to dream. Whoever took Livorno today is trying to kill the passion again. Here the problem is Esciua which is not suited to the characteristics of our city. Esciua should be kindly accompanied to the door.” Concepts also reiterated by Frasca, another historic fan who also encouraged Fernandez to take the right side.
The bomber with the 99
The last to go on stage was Cristiano Lucarelli, with an amaranth heart, also immersed with head and heart in this project. Another deluge of applause for him. The adventure of “Livorno is us” has begun.
