Sebino Nela, a man of profound reflection and enduring spirit.
In the illustrious history of Italian football, few names resonate with the raw grit and unwavering loyalty of Sebino Nela. A legendary figure for both Genoa and, most notably, AS Roma, Nela`s narrative extends far beyond mere statistics; it is a profound testament to resilience, a journey marked by triumphant moments on the pitch and formidable personal battles off it. In a recent candid interview, Nela offered a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the man behind the iconic number, weaving a tapestry of sacrifice, passion, deep introspection, and an unyielding fight for life.
From Dusty Fields to Stadio Olimpico: A Career Forged in Fire
Born Sebastiano, yet affectionately known to fans as Sebino – a deliberate distinction, as he explains, between the player and the private man – Nela’s introduction to professional football was anything but gilded. His roots were humble, his earliest pitches nothing more than “dirt and volcanic ash.” Initially rejected by his beloved Genoa for being too slight, his entry into the sport was secured through a family friend`s “recommendation.” This early hurdle proved foundational, setting the stage for a career defined by sheer tenacity. The famous Roma chant, “Picchia Sebino!” (Hit Sebino!), Nela clarifies, was never an endorsement of violence, but a testament to his relentless, unyielding spirit in every challenge.
His ascent was fueled by extraordinary familial sacrifice. Daily commutes, balancing school with training, and assisting in his parents` restaurant meant his textbooks were often opened only past midnight. He recalls, with poignant clarity, his mother`s selflessness: forgoing new stockings so he could have proper football boots. The eventual reward, his first contract with Roma – a princely 40 million lire – allowed his tirelessly working parents to finally ease their burden. “The best moment of my life was bringing home the prize money after my Genoa debut; my father cried,” Nela recounted, painting a vivid picture of a bond forged in hardship and unwavering love.
The Heart of Rome: Scudetto Glory and European Heartbreak
Roma became Nela`s spiritual home in football, the club where he reached the pinnacle of Italian football: the 1983 Scudetto. The fervent passion of the Giallorossi fans, and the intensity of fierce rivalries, only amplified his energy on the field. Yet, alongside glory came profound disappointment. The 1984 European Cup final loss to Liverpool, played on home turf, was a bitter pill. Nela vividly recalls a moment where he passed the ball instead of shooting, a decision that, intriguingly, haunted him less than the subsequent league defeat to Lecce two years later, which cost Roma another Scudetto. While acknowledging the legendary Falcao, Nela candidly admits his disappointment in the Brazilian`s refusal to take a penalty in that fateful European final, a regret Falcao himself reportedly came to share years later. Nela also offered a poignant observation on Roma’s historical trajectory, noting the club’s most significant successes often coincided with strong, visionary patrons like Dino Viola and Franco Sensi, comparing their impactful leadership to modern figures such as De Laurentiis.
Beyond the Whistle: Music, Reflection, and the Maori Dream
Nela`s life clearly extends far beyond the confines of a football pitch. His book, Il vento in faccia e la tempesta nel cuore (The Wind in the Face and the Storm in the Heart), deliberately avoids superficial anecdotes. Instead, it offers a deep, personal exploration of Sebastiano, the man, a narrative born from silent introspection. His connection to music runs deep, particularly with Antonello Venditti, who dedicated the song “Correndo correndo” to him – a melody Nela still listens to daily. Yet, with a hint of characteristic irony, he expresses disdain for the modern Sanremo Festival, viewing it more as a “political show” than a genuine celebration of timeless artistry.
His current interests speak volumes about his contemplative nature: geopolitics, chess, and tranquil walks along the Lazio coastline. Most intriguingly, Nela expresses a deep desire to one day speak with a Maori in New Zealand. It is a striking ambition, suggesting a quest for profound understanding, a connection to ancient wisdom, far removed from the pressures and demands of modern life. This wistful ambition speaks volumes of a man who has faced life`s biggest tests and now seeks deeper, almost spiritual, insights.
The Toughest Opponent: Facing Cancer with Fortitude and Humility
Perhaps the most poignant chapter of Sebino Nela`s life has been his courageous battle with colon cancer. He approached this formidable adversary with the same objective-driven mindset he once applied to football. Five hours of excruciating pain in the bathroom post-chemotherapy became a personal challenge: reduce it to four, then three and a half. “It worked,” he states with characteristic pragmatism, a testament to his sheer will.
However, Nela quickly dismisses any notion of his superior physical strength contributing to his survival. This is where his profound humility shines brightest. He decries the well-meaning but ultimately ill-informed comments about his “physique” enabling his recovery.
“What about all my colleagues I lost?” he asks, listing Vincenzo D`Amico, Paolo Rossi, Sinisa Mihajlovic, and Gianluca Vialli. “The only difference between me and them is that I was more fortunate.”
This powerful statement underscores a deep empathy and a profound understanding of life`s arbitrary nature. His own family, too, has been ravaged by cancer, losing his father, uncle, and sister, while another sister courageously endures her own 14-year fight. This shared suffering fuels his resilience, even as he humorously admits to now making an effort to stay tanned to avoid looking pale.
An Enduring Spirit
From a scrappy defender carving out a career on dusty pitches to a celebrated champion, and ultimately, a survivor reflecting on life`s most profound truths, Sebino Nela’s journey is a compelling narrative of the human spirit. He is a man who faced every challenge head-on, both on the hallowed grounds of Italian football and in the quiet, agonizing solitude of a hospital room. His story is a poignant reminder that true strength often lies not in conquering all, but in acknowledging fortune, embracing resilience, and finding wisdom in the face of adversity. He continues to live, “always running, running,” as Venditti`s song suggests, but now with a deeper understanding of the wind in his face and the storm in his heart.
