July 2 – Italian football yesterday paid an emotional tribute to Stefano Borgonovo, who died last Thursday after a battle against ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) aged 49. His funeral in his home town of Guissano was attended by representatives from across the sport including his closest friend from his days at Fiorentina, Roberto Baggio, but also Paolo Maldini, Arrigo Sacchi, Juventus CEO Marotta and many well-known faces who formed part of the cheerful striker’s all-too-short life.
This was the final farewell to Stefano Borgonovo. The Church of Santi Filippo e Giacomo was full but off-limits to the TV cameras who followed the former AC Milan and Fiorentina striker’s funeral from outside. He had been claimed by ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or the “bitch” as he called it.
The FIGC (Football Federation), the Lega (Football League) and the AIC (Italian Footballers’ Association) were also represented and the footballing institutions had kind words for him on twitter, while messages of sympathy poured in from football clubs and former team-mates.
Borgonovo moved all of Italy in his five-year battle against ALS, becoming a standard bearer for the fight against the disease. He dedicated the last part of his life to people suffering from multiple sclerosis and was described by Roberto Baggio, his best friend, as “a hero” at the funeral service.
Stefano Borgonovo is survived by his wife Chantal and his children Andrea, Alessandra, Benedetta and Gaia.
Article re-written in part from Gazzetta dello Sport.