In the annals of Italian football, certain names resonate with an almost mythical quality. Sebino Nela is one such name, forever etched into the hearts of AS Roma fans. Known for his tenacious defending and unwavering commitment on the pitch, Nela`s story extends far beyond the roar of the stadium, delving into humble beginnings, the heights of sporting glory, and a profound personal battle against cancer. His journey is a testament to resilience, a narrative far richer than mere statistics could convey.
From Terracotta Pitches to Stadio Olimpico`s Green
Born Sebastiano Nela, the man known affectionately as “Sebino” — the player persona he adopted — began his footballing life far from the manicured lawns of professional pitches. He speaks of playing on “terra” (dirt) and “pozzolana” (volcanic ash), a stark contrast to the verdant fields he would later grace. His entry into the structured world of football was, by his own admission, aided by a “recommendation” from a family friend, a common enough practice in an era defined by community ties rather than scouting algorithms. A devoted Genoa fan like his father, Nela initially faced rejection for his slender build. Yet, the seed was planted, nurtured by immense personal sacrifice.
Nela`s upbringing was a crucible of dedication. Three hours of bus travel daily, school, training, and then helping his parents in their restaurant – opening books past midnight only to succumb to sleep. His mother, in a poignant display of parental love, forewent buying stockings to afford his football boots. This unwavering support was repaid with fierce determination. The moment he brought home his first earnings after debuting for Genoa, witnessing his father`s tears, remains one of his life`s most cherished memories. His first contract with Roma, 40 million lire, allowed his parents to finally cease their arduous labor – a truly defining achievement.
The Giallorossi Heartbeat: Roma`s Golden Era
It was at AS Roma that Sebino Nela truly forged his legend. He arrived understanding the club`s immense significance, thriving on the fierce rivalry and the passionate, often confrontational, chants of opposing fans. The infamous “Picchia Sebino” (Hit `em, Sebino) chant from the Roma faithful, he clarifies, was not an instruction to violence, but rather a recognition of his unyielding, stubborn “tignoso” spirit on the field. This tough-as-nails reputation belied a thoughtful individual, as explored in his book, Il vento in faccia e la tempesta nel cuore (The Wind in the Face and the Storm in the Heart), which sought to tell the story of Sebastiano, the man, rather than just Sebino, the player.
Nela was a cornerstone of the 1983 Scudetto-winning team, a triumph that cemented his place in Italian football history. Yet, glory was often accompanied by heartbreak. The loss of the 1984 European Cup final to Liverpool on home soil, despite a promising chance he elected to pass, was tough but digestible. Far more bitter, he recounts, was losing the Scudetto two years later to Lecce, a result that still rankles. He reflects on his time with Paulo Roberto Falcao, an “exceptional person,” yet expresses disappointment that the Brazilian didn`t step up to take a penalty in that fateful European Cup final – a regret Falcao himself later admitted.
The Most Personal Battle: “I Was Just Luckier”
Beyond the cheers and tears of football, Nela faced his most formidable opponent: colon cancer. His account of this period is raw and remarkably candid. He approaches his illness with the same methodical determination he applied to his football career: setting daily goals, like reducing the hours spent in agony in the bathroom post-chemotherapy. “We footballers live by objectives, one match after another. I did the same with the disease,” he explains.
Yet, Nela vehemently dismisses any notion that his physical prowess was the sole reason for his survival. He speaks with a profound sense of humility and sorrow for his fallen colleagues: Vincenzo D`Amico, Paolo Rossi, Sinisa Mihajlovic, Gianluca Vialli. “The only difference between me and them,” he states with stark clarity, “is that I was luckier.” This poignant reflection underscores the random cruelty of disease, refuting the simplistic bravado often associated with public figures battling illness. His battle also highlighted the immense impact on his family, recalling a night he found his wife and daughters weeping, prompting him to declare: “Enough, you are the ones who must help me now.” The family, already ravaged by cancer (his father, brother, and a sister who tragically “let herself die” after years of treatment, another living with it for 14 years), had to find strength in each other.
Beyond the Pitch: Music, Maori, and Musing
Nela`s life outside football is as rich and varied as his career. Rome`s cultural tapestry embraces him, notably through Antonello Venditti`s song “Correndo correndo” (Running, Running), dedicated to him. He cherishes this song, listening to it daily, while candidly expressing his disillusionment with the modern Sanremo Festival, which he views as a “big political show” rather than a celebration of music. His tastes remain classic, believing that only artists like Patty Pravo and Battisti will endure, unlike contemporary acts.
His interests span politics, geopolitics, and chess. And then there`s the intriguing desire to converse with a Maori in New Zealand, a seemingly esoteric aspiration that perhaps symbolizes a deeper quest for understanding and connection beyond the familiar. While such grand adventures beckon, Nela finds solace in simpler pleasures, like a peaceful stroll along the Lazio coastline, contemplating life`s profound complexities.
Looking ahead, Nela offers his perspectives on current Italian football, seeing Napoli as strong contenders for the Scudetto, Inter as the best playing team, and Milan as a dark horse. For his beloved Roma, a top-four finish would be “extraordinary.”
A Legacy of Tenacity and Thought
Sebino Nela`s story is a compelling mosaic of tenacity, talent, and introspective wisdom. From his rugged beginnings to the pinnacle of Italian football, through the darkest valleys of personal struggle, he has emerged not just as a survivor, but as a sage. His journey reminds us that true strength is not merely physical, but resides in an unyielding spirit, a capacity for reflection, and an honest acknowledgment of life`s unpredictable fortunes. The “tough guy” of Rome, it turns out, is a philosopher at heart, still running, still fighting, and still searching for deeper meanings in the grand stadium of life.
