In a world often consumed by the raw physicality and competitive fervor of sports, few dare to cast an analytical, yet deeply human, gaze upon its intricacies. Lella Costa, the esteemed Italian actress, writer, and voice artist, stands as one such observer. Her approach to sports is less about statistics and victories, and more about the underlying narratives, the hidden depths, and the nuanced human condition that athletic endeavors reveal. Her perspective, as she candidly admits, finds intense physical activity “a bit unnatural,” yet she possesses a profound understanding of the passion it ignites.
Costa`s unique insight is perhaps best encapsulated by a classic jest she attributes to humorists Massimo Cirri and Sergio Ferrentino. It speaks volumes about the perceived chasm in communication between genders, particularly concerning sports. In this tale, a longing Adam in the Garden of Eden dreams of “something pink.” Divine intervention, in its infinite wisdom, creates Eve. A miscalculation, perhaps, for what Adam truly desired to accompany his blissful mornings was none other than the “Gazzetta dello Sport”—a playful nod to the almost primordial bond Italian men, in particular, share with their beloved sports newspaper.
The Evolving Landscape for Women in Sport
While the Adam anecdote leans into traditional gender roles, Costa is a staunch advocate for progress in women`s sports. She acknowledges the significant strides made, yet emphasizes that the journey toward true equality is far from over. Her observation is sharp: the collective perception often relegates women`s sports to a “lesser” status, akin to a “rib” extracted from the male counterpart, struggling to forge its own distinct identity. The very necessity of appending “female” to disciplines like “female football” underscores this perpetual “Serie B” (second division) existence, even as institutions increasingly champion gender parity.
Costa highlights inspiring examples of female excellence, such as Wilma Rudolph, who defied a childhood diagnosis of polio to clinch three gold medals at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Such stories, she argues, deserve greater prominence, serving as powerful catalysts for change, particularly among younger generations.
Inter Milan: A Heartfelt, Yet Measured, Allegiance
Her loyalty to Inter Milan, the famed football club, is a narrative in itself. Far from being a familial inheritance (her father leaned towards AC Milan), Costa`s passion for the Nerazzurri blossomed through a profound connection with Massimo and Milly Moratti, the club`s former owners. She describes them as “special people” who drew her into the world of Inter, a bond cemented during the club`s glorious “Triplete” era. Despite this deep affection, her fandom remains remarkably grounded.
Reflecting on a season where Inter “played everything badly” and “could have achieved much and won nothing,” Costa`s disappointment is palpable, yet pragmatic. She admits, with a characteristic touch of irony, that she certainly didn`t “lose sleep over it.” This balanced perspective extends to her broader views on fan culture.
Beyond Passion: A Call for Moderation in Fandom
For Costa, the enthusiastic fervor of sports fandom, while a testament to belonging, requires careful scrutiny. She draws a clear distinction between healthy passion and the “shameful and worrying things” that frequently mar streets and stadiums on match days. She posits this aggressive, almost “war-like” approach to competition as a predominantly male phenomenon, noting the comparatively low percentage of women involved in such destructive displays. This observation serves as a quiet call for reflection on the societal implications of unchecked sporting fervor.
Legends and Likability: From Zanetti to Sinner
Among her football heroes, Javier Zanetti stands out as a “wonderful man and an extraordinary champion,” a sentiment echoed for Giacinto Facchetti. She also fondly recalls the “insanely funny” Boninsegna. In the current football landscape, her affection extends to the sons of Thuram, having been struck by the magnificence of Thuram senior.
Costa`s affinity for sports extends beyond football, particularly to tennis. While she admires the sheer power and speed of today`s players, which leave her “stunned,” her assessments of individual personalities are refreshingly candid. Of Jannik Sinner, the formidable Italian talent, she acknowledges his “great talent” but confesses, “I can`t say I find him likable.” This admission, she humorously notes, might invite “national shame” in a country that often treats its sporting heroes with a reverence bordering on the divine. Her preference clearly lies with personalities like Adriano Panatta, whom she describes as “irresistible, witty, and intelligent,” a man with whom she would “go on holiday immediately.”
Inspiring Encounters and Enduring Legacies
Costa`s unique perspective on sport even led to a collaboration with Gazzetta dello Sport, where she contributed to the back page of their magazine alongside figures like Dan Peterson and Julio Velasco. Her viewpoint, she readily admits, diverged from her co-columnists, offering a distinctive cultural commentary. She holds particular reverence for Velasco, the legendary volleyball coach, whom she considers a “leader, not just in sports.” Their literary encounter with Quino, the creator of Mafalda, remains one of the most engaging and light-hearted memories.
Beyond the pages and the courts, Costa cherishes encounters with other sporting icons. Lea Pericoli, the elegant tennis player, captivated her with “rare beauty and natural elegance.” And Alex Zanardi, the extraordinary racing driver and paralympic athlete, left an indelible mark as a “fantastic person” whose meeting she holds dear in her heart.
Lella Costa`s narrative offers a vital counterpoint to the often one-dimensional portrayal of sports. It`s a reminder that beneath the scores and rivalries lie compelling human stories, evolving societal dynamics, and the enduring power of individual personalities. Her voice, witty and insightful, encourages us to look beyond the obvious, appreciating sport not just as a spectacle, but as a microcosm of life itself.