Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti is mourning the death of his 93-year-old mother, Ilva, according to the source articles. Ilva resided in Spicchio-Sovigliana, a hamlet of Empoli, and remained a central, albeit discreet, figure throughout the manager’s personal life and professional career. Reflecting on her influence just over a year prior, Spalletti remarked, “I don’t know why I love football so much, but probably when she was giving birth to me, my father was out playing a five-a-side match.”
A Lifelong Bond Rooted in Football History
The connection between the manager and his mother often intersected with football milestones, most notably during his appointment as Italy’s national team coach in September 2023. According to Spalletti’s public remarks at his presentation, his mother played a literal role in his early fandom during the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. “At 11 years old, I asked my mom to sew a giant flag,” Spalletti recalled regarding the famous 4-3 Italy-Germany match. “Mums used to sew at home, and I went to ask mine to make the biggest Italian flag possible… Now this fairytale has happened to me.” He noted that he planned to carry that symbol back onto the touchline to inspire children.
Standing Up Against Stadium Abuse
Spalletti memorably defended his mother in 2022 after encountering hostile barracking from Fiorentina supporters during a match at the Stadio Artemio Franchi while coaching Napoli. “Uncivilized professionals, they stay behind the bench to insult the whole match,” Spalletti said during a post-match press conference, pointing out that children were present nearby hearing taunts directed at his mother. Addressing “La Nazione” days later, Ilva—then 89 years old—weighed in on the incident herself. “These are gestures that do no good for sport,” she stated. “It doesn’t matter that this time they offended us, it’s a bad thing regardless.” She also noted her son’s long-standing childhood affection for the Florence club, observing that supporters used to treat him warmly.
Did you know?
Luciano Spalletti grew up supporting Fiorentina and attended matches at the Stadio Artemio Franchi as a young fan in Tuscany, before embarking on his extensive professional playing and managerial career across Italian football.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ilva Spalletti?
Ilva Spalletti was the mother of Juventus and Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti. She lived to the age of 93 in Spicchio-Sovigliana, near Empoli.
What did Luciano Spalletti say about his mother’s role in his career?
According to his public statements, she supported his early football passion by sewing a giant Italian flag for the 1970 World Cup when he was 11 years old, an item he later brought into his professional coaching career.
How did Ilva Spalletti respond to stadium insults in 2022?
Following verbal abuse directed from the stands at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, an 89-year-old Ilva told the newspaper “La Nazione” that such hostility damages sport and that football should remain a source of enjoyment rather than abuse.
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