Emotional Tribute in Florence

By: Martha | December 3rd, 2007

Yesterday in Florence, Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli took charge of his first match since the death of his wife. Prandelli, generally considered one of the best (and classiest — he refuses to complain about the officiating, no matter what happens in his team’s matches) coaches working in Italy today, is adored by Fiorentina supporters, and they welcomed him back in remarkable fashion.

The Viola Ultras displayed banners in the Curva which read “Time will lessen the pain, but if you need her, look to the sky… Your star will guide you forever and take you far,” and supporters threw bouquets and white roses onto the Viola dugout. (Are you in tears yet? And this was before the match even started.) The hope team wore black armbands and, prior to kickoff, there was an impeccably observed moment of silence.

Despite going behind early and being dominated in the second half, the home supporters sang the whole match, ending with their scarves held aloft, singing tribute to the manager. Then, as the teams left the pitch, the Fiorentina players gathered around the mouth of the tunnel to shake hands with each of their opponents.

Man. I’m as cynical as anyone else about football but, every once in a while, it repays our faith and then some.

ETA: Video of the minute of silence and match highlights that include the reception of Prandelli and the teams coming together afterwards.

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Comments  

• Gabriella |  December 3rd, 2007 at 8:26 am

  
  
  

  This also proves that most Ultras are not hooligans. That is just a very small minority of a large group of very passionate fans.
  I watched this game and they showed the fans. It was very moving indeed.

  RIP

  Posted from United States

  

• Martha |  December 3rd, 2007 at 8:40 am

  
  
  

  It does indeed, Gabriella, thanks for pointing that out — I was definitely very conscious of the significance of the use of the word “Ultra” appearing in a positive context. Hopefully other people will notice, too.

  Posted from United States

  

• James |  December 3rd, 2007 at 8:54 am

  
  
  

  Any chance of seeing a clip of this?

  Posted from United States

  

• Martha |  December 3rd, 2007 at 9:47 am

  
  
  

  Added a couple of clips to the post, James, as well as a link to an image of the banners.

  Posted from United States

  

• James |  December 3rd, 2007 at 10:28 am

  
  
  

  Thanks for the links!

  This is why I love football, it’s like one giant family.

  Posted from United States

  

• Matt |  December 3rd, 2007 at 11:02 am

  
  
  

  In a league that certainly needs all the positive publicity possible, this is one the nicest things I’ve seen in football.

  Posted from United States

  

• Marco420 |  December 3rd, 2007 at 11:22 am

  
  
  

  This really shows how Italian fans are capable of the worst and BEST !

  Nice display of class by the purple possee in Firenze

  Posted from Canada

  

• Hana |  December 3rd, 2007 at 1:25 pm

  
  
  

  that was the most heartwarming sight in football i’ve seen in a while. RIP.

  Posted from United States

  

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