A successful evening for the event organized by the new management of the white-and-blue club. Ten thousand spectators witnessed a show brimming with history and memories, enriched by the presence of many former players.
A night of celebration to celebrate a team, a history, a city. The Franco Scoglio Stadium filled to capacity for Messina’s 125th anniversary, celebrated in grand style in front of nearly 10,000 spectators. A spectacle that brought together not only many icons who crossed the Strait of Messina, but also legends who have helped shape football history.
The new ownership, Racing City Group, led by President Justin Davis and Vice President Morris Pagniello, presented a truly successful show. The company, in collaboration with numerous partners, managed to organize a match between true legends.
After the entertainment, including music and various activities, the crowd at the Franco Scoglio stadium welcomed the great champions onto the pitch. On one side, Team “La Sicilia” Alessandro Nesta, led by Roberto Donadoni and featuring many former Messina players: from Arturo Di Napoli to Sasà Sullo, including Coppola, Parisi, Portanova, Storari, Iuliano, and Floccari. The team also welcomed current Messina coach Pippo Romano, who also played in Messina.
A team completed by many former Serie A players such as Abbiati, Di Livio, Jankulovski, Tacchinardi, Budel, Cerci, and Perrotta. On the other side is Team Src Fabio Cannavaro, led by the captain of the 2006 World Cup-winning Italy team. He features iconic goalkeepers such as Dida and Frey, as well as his brother Paolo Cannavaro and other caliber players such as Aldair, Serginho, Evani, Eranio, Fuser, Giannichedda, Montolivo, and Mauri.
A team also enriched by Hernanes, Brocchi, Candreva, Jeda, and Iaquinta, as well as vice president Pagniello. These legends took to the field around 7:30 PM, starting the match shortly after 8 PM. The symbolic kickoff was given by Mayor Federico Basile, who had not only Davis but also Pagniello at his side.
Before referee Bergonzi’s whistle, the Franco Scoglio stadium paid tribute to Totò Schilacci, the late Messina striker who passed away just over a year ago and who would have turned 61 yesterday.
Tears, hugs, and many memories also for those who, alongside Schilaci, played extensively, forming the core of the so-called Franco Scoglio bastards. Totò was also remembered at halftime thanks to the testimonies of Romolo Rossi, Carmelo Mancuso, and Vincenzo Di Palma, three members of the “Bastardi di Franco Scoglio.”
The former striker was also honored with commemorative prints, in the presence of not only the club’s top brass but also his brother. The memory of Franco Scoglio, the coach who shaped Messina’s history, was unforgettable, and he received a well-deserved tribute in front of a visibly moved Tobias. Among the many dignitaries present was Pietro Franza, president who led Messina during the golden years of Serie A.
The match, however, was virtually a one-sided affair. Team Cannavaro won 3-0 thanks to goals from Iaquinta, Mauri, and Jeda. There was no shortage of love and support from the entire Curva Sud, which put on a show throughout the evening. “Eternal love, unconditional passion. We’ve supported the white and blue team for 125 years.” This was the slogan chosen by the Messina fans, who on a night in early December paid homage to their beloved team, with the hope and dream of one day seeing them again in leagues other than the current Serie D.
