Memorabilia: a tribute to Giacinto Facchetti

APPIANO GENTILE – Monday's episode of Memorabilia was a retrospective on the life and career of Nerazzurri legend Giacinto Facchetti in the words of his son Luca.

The current Inter U19 assistant coach began with his memories of his father: "It wasn't easy being compared to him," Luca revealed. "I went on a different path because when I was young I played football for fun. Dad wanted us to do what we enjoyed in life, with hard work and dedication.

"That was how he managed to go so far. He was obsessive about everything he did, training constantly and not leaving anything to chance. His objective was to always give everything he had and never to give up."

Looking back at footage of Giacinto, it's like watching a modern footballer lightyears ahead of his time, both from a technical and physical point of view.

"He was an elegant player," Luca continued, "quite tall compared to others from his generation. Obviously he had good genes on his side, but he took training sessions very seriously.

"Advice I received from my father? He taught me to love what you do in life, while respecting the rules and the opposition above all. In the past, the focus was more on playing football than today. At the end of the day, he was simply my dad but I'm well aware of what he meant to the world of football and beyond."

Inter was a central part of Giacinto's life, both before and after he retired.

"The club was everything for him," Luca recalled, "it was like a family. Nevertheless, when he got home he'd put it out of his mind and dedicate some time to us.

"He had a special relationship with Helenio Herrera, a mutual friendship. It was thanks to il Mago that my dad found his position on the pitch as a full back capable of scoring goals."

Giacinto's memory is never far from Inter today, permeating the club from players to fans: "It's fantastic, despite the fact he passed away ten years ago, people's love for him helps us feel like he's still with us."