Baggio, Totti, Antognoni and Del Piero. Spalletti, letting himself fall on the sofa and looking at infinity, would find the eyes of happiness like any Italian fan of the national team if only he could replicate certain emotions in Germany. The name of four numbers 10 is enough and the images of memory jump out to understand how a dream can be ignited and the depth of the invitation launched by the coach. Think of the Divine Codino’s slalom at the Olimpico, when he was scoring the fantastic goal that made it 2-0 to Czechoslovakia during the ’90 World Cup, or the brace to overturn Nigeria, four years later in the USA. Totti’s penalty kick comes to mind in the Rotterdam semi-final against the Netherlands, European Championship 2000. Or Del Piero’s big tongue as he runs happily, receiving Gilardino’s assist, with the ball at the top corner and Germany stretched out World Cup 2006. Antognoni and his elegant gait, head held high, take us back over forty years, to the pipe of the old Bearzot, Spain ’82 and the goal of the 4-2 (cancelled) against Brazil.
Spalletti, the reason for his proposal
Lucio, as he said in the interview with the director of Corriere dello Sport-Stadio, would like them to be in Coverciano, at the end of May or beginning of June, when the training camp starts. Bringing them together on the sidelines would have a logic, perhaps barely perceptible, but significant. History sometimes triggers a spark. They can no longer score or draw assists, but in sport, example and emulation count. Vialli and Mancini, to cross Wembley, had entered the hearts of the players through quotes, pennants and books. Buffon, the new head of delegation, gathers the national team in the gym every time they are about to start training. Italy and the sense of belonging scream. Spalletti is thinking of them all. The symbolic call-up of Baggio, Antognoni, Del Piero and Totti would raise the competitive level of the group called to defend the European title in Germany.
From Argentina to Australia: the responses to Spalletti
The idea has gathered enthusiasm and consensus. Gravina and his collaborators set in motion. Invitations will go out soon. Roberto Baggio from Argentina, where he is currently, has made it known that he is available. Totti will be contacted as soon as he returns from Australia. Del Piero is following the Champions League. Giancarlo Antognoni was interviewed by Tg1. «Nice initiative, unusual, Luciano’s idea doesn’t surprise me. He’s far-sighted, he tries to get into the players’ heads. Of course I’ll go. I also think it could be an important meeting for Totti, Baggio and Del Piero.” The former Fiorentina number 10 lives near Coverciano. At the beginning of April he was welcomed back by the Italian Club as head of the Under 21 delegation. «A witness to the Azzurri’s values» explained Gravina. The FIGC hopes to find the right solution to bring the other three champions together in Coverciano on the same day. If this is not possible, the visits will be “spread” over the period between 31 May and 9 June, a few hours before departure for Dortmund.
In Miami, Spalletti had wanted to meet and introduce Sinner to the Azzurri. Now the number 40 (four number 10s) is played to convey imagination to his national team. A goal can be scored in many ways.
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