Memories can remain vivid images, kept in the heart. Sometimes, however, memories can materialize and return in a concrete way to those who jealously preserve them. This second possibility came true on Thursday 13 June, in Acireale, for a large number of people. Exactly for the fans and supporters of the baroque town from a footballing point of view. The documentary film entitled was screened at the “Margherita” cinema “A miracle called Serie B”, by Graziano Fontana. Produced by “Jacitani”, it was supported by the Pro Loco of Acireale, chaired by Guglielmo Paradiso, with the deputy Except Raffa and the secretary Alessio Paradiso.
The film retraces the years, exactly thirty from today, in which the Granata obtained permanence in the Serie B championship. The pinnacle of the leap into the past, the match played in Salerno, in the play-off against Pisa. Giuseppe Papadopulo’s team prevailed by maintaining the said series.
The memories became reality in the people of some of the protagonists, present at the cinema and in the city thanks to Fontana’s initiative. A moment of emotion, a glimpse of the city’s history that came back to life, amidst choirs, songs and applause.
The memory of a prestigious time that counted Acireale among the greats of football. One face, among all, gave the hours of joy arising from the memory. That of coach Papadopulo, more whitewashed, but always with the elegance and kindness that characterized his person. Retired for several years, he came from Tuscany, where he lives, to constitute that supporting link in the chain of memory.
Mister Papadopulo, did you return to Acireale for the screening of the docufilm “A miracle called Serie B” by Graziano Fontana?
Yes, I came to Acireale specifically for this event, very willingly.
During the years of the Granata bench, what relationship did you have with Acireale and its people?
As I was telling you, I came because I have always had a very close relationship with Acireale and, therefore, this opportunity gave me the opportunity to return to an environment where, together with my family, we had lived very well and where they had been obtained, through the everyone’s work, excellent results from a footballing point of view. There were the conditions for me to be able to see faces again that for me were, and have always remained, friendly faces.
Mister Papadopulo, what is your relationship with Acireale today?
My relationships with the environment have remained excellent in every sense. In fact, when I have the chance to come, I always come willingly, even though it is a considerable distance from where I live. For me it’s like reliving everything again.
Can it be said that he left a piece of his heart in Acireale, given the football events of those years?
Certainly! Indeed, perhaps more than one piece and certainly substantial. I am reliving that affection that I felt in this environment in these moments. Perhaps, not even then, in those years, did I realize that I had done so much for these people and therefore the fact of now being so well received makes me understand that I truly represented a lot, more as a man than as a coach.
What can make the difference in human relationships is precisely the bond that one manages to establish with others
Coaches can do more or less well in their activity, but then the relationships are what remain.
This evening the people of Acireale showed her enthusiasm for her presence in the city today and a lot of gratitude for what she did in the years of promotion and stay in Serie B
For this I sincerely thank the people of Acireale. I didn’t have the chance to say hello to them all, but I truly send a heartfelt message to each one. I am grateful for what they gave me and for what I have practically kept of them and will never forget.
Rita Messina
