An Italian Whirlwind Of Emotion

The weekend began with the best of intentions as Paolo Maldini headed for his San Siro swansong. But when teams are relegated – or pushed to the very brink of relegation – things tend to go downhill very quickly.

Take, for example, Genoa and Torino, who embarked on a full out brawl following the former’s 3-2 win. Lame duck Diego Milito scored the winner which sent Torino into the relegation zone before a trip to Rome next weekend, and then lamer duck Thiago Motta – no stranger to controversy this year – told the granata bench to shush, which cued Royal Rumble Serie A Style.

When it came time for Paolo Maldini’s final lap around the San Siro, what was supposed to be unanimous adulation turned sour where a small section of supporters protested statements he made back in 2005 by unveiling a banner which read Baresi 6 after chanting “There’s only one captain”. A disgusting lack of respect from what is, once again, a very, very small portion of the Rossoneri faithful, who were, as expected, bowing in gratitude.

Ever the man of class, Paolo’s only response was simply “I’m proud I’m not one of them“.

But the weekend began on a truly tragic note in Parma on Saturday, where 19 year old Vicenza supporter Eugenio Bortolon fell from the Tardini upper deck to his death in the 70th minute. The game was resumed when it was reported the boy was on his way to the hospital to undergo surgery, but the surgery wasn’t successful and he was pronounced dead this morning due to his injuries.

You can see from the video below the location from where the boy fell onto the concrete, if you so choose.

Anger, sadness and then mourning – running the gamut of all the wrong emotions this weekend in the peninsula.

Some Related Stories:

Category: Serie A, World Football