Antonio, 13 years old: from Cagliari to the Sky studios for a (competent) special commentary

“Most embarrassing moment? When my mother didn't recognize Del Piero». For the rest, Antonio Farci, a 13-year-old from Cagliari, did not experience great difficulties, all of which he spent between supports for the bust and on electric means that allow him to move, due to a disease that paralyzes him almost completely from the head down, discovered when he was a few days old. But the same head travels fast: model student, acute, mature, with a lashing tongue.

In recent days Etto, as everyone calls him, was in Milan, in the Sky studios, where, supported by a professional journalist, he commented live on the Nantes-Juve match, won 3-0 by the Bianconeri. His dream that came true when no one thought about it anymore.

Interventions and check-ups at the Gaslini hospital in Genoa are periodic for Antonio. Ever since he had undergone a delicate operation, in 2009, after an emergency flight that took off from Cagliari. He was also in the children's hospital on the Genoese seafront in 2018: «The representatives of an association, the "Make a wish" came to us in the ward», says the mother, Michela Manca, a pillar in the life of this little boy today volcanic, together with his father Massimo Farci, «they asked Etto to make a wish. He replied that he would like to meet the Juve players, or comment on one of their matches».

Years have passed, the world has been turned upside down by a pandemic: "The association always sent little thoughts for Etto, such as Christmas presents and tickets". The affair of desire seemed to have fallen into oblivion. But no.

«Ten days ago», Manca continues, «they called us and told us that they would host us all in Milan, because for my son there was a Juve match to comment on».

News that upset a complex routine. But too important to say no. «We organized ourselves and left», the mother says again, «they took care of everything, tickets and accommodation included».

Destination: studios in Rogoredo, Sky, where the reception for Etto «was fantastic». Both Beppe Bergomi and Alessandro Del Piero showed up to greet him. "I had no idea who they were," admits the mother. Pinturicchio didn't limit himself to passing sentences: he asked to be able to make a video with Etto, to be sent to his eighth grade classmates. Etto was completely at ease. Then came the "difficult" moment: the commentary.

With headphones and a microphone, in front of the screens, the thirteen-year-old mastered the technical language: "The commentator who worked with him was amazed: Etto commented without notes, while he had a lot of papers in front of him". Everything went smoothly. But Antonio manages to underline: «I had some difficulties at the beginning, because I didn't remember all the Nantes owners», he says as if it were a big problem, «but it was a wonderful experience. Of course, my mother who didn't recognize Del Piero was a bit embarrassing...». And he laughs heartily.