Nostalgia has taken centre stage in Italian football over the last few days, with Alessandro Del Piero and Adriano hosted by their former clubs Juventus and Inter.
Pinturicchio, the best striker in the history of Juventus and the player with the most appearances for the club returned to the Allianz Stadium for the first time in ten years last weekend to watch Juventus’ 1-1 draw against Bologna.
He was welcomed with a standing ovation like he had left ten years earlier when he played his final game in a Bianconeri shirt. Del Piero is in Turin with the Los Angeles Juventus academy and paid one more visit to the team yesterday, taking a picture with Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci. He is not expected to be at the Stadium again for tonight’s Coppa Italia match with Fiorentina.
Many Juventus fans and club legend Marco Tardelli hope the ex-striker will be offered a role at the club, but, as things stands, it is unlikely to see Del Piero take a new position at the club soon.
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Another Serie A legend, Adriano, was spotted yesterday with the former Brazilian striker hosted by Inter for the Coppa Italia derby won by Simone Inzaghi’s men.
Adriano spent five years with the Nerazzurri, scoring 74 goals in 177 appearances. He has always been of the idols of Inter’s Curva, who gave him a special reception at the Stadio Meazza last night. Adrian looked moved by the welcome of his former fans.
“I’d like to thank everyone for the warm welcome back. I’m delighted to be here again. I feel emotional because being at San Siro is such a great experience; I’ve got so many memories of this stadium and having spent many years at the club it’s a real pleasure to be here again,” Adriano told Inter TV.
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“When I came into the ground so many thoughts came to mind, memories of what I’d achieved at Inter as a footballer and how it all shaped me as a person. The reception I’ve been given here has been lovely; I really appreciate it.
“What comes to mind when I walk into San Siro? So many things. There’s nothing quite like the Milan derby; it leaves a mark on you. When I joined Inter the club made me feel right at home, as did Italy in general. I’d say that this is like my second home; I’m so grateful for everything here.
“I’d especially like to thank the fans because they’re the ones who turned me into the Emperor; without them, I would’ve never have become what I became. Whenever me and my family talk about my time at the club it’s always emotional. I hope that we win today and that we all go home happy.”