In the pantheon of Italian football, certain names resonate with more than just athletic prowess; they echo with stories of character, struggle, and profound human experience. One such name is Sebino Nela. A tenacious defender for Genoa and, most notably, AS Roma, Nela`s life has been a relentless charge, both on the pitch and off it, facing down challenges with a spirit as unyielding as his tackles. His recent reflections offer a rare glimpse into the mind of a man who defines survival not by strength, but by a humble acknowledgment of fortune.
From Dirt Pitches to Serie A Stardom
Nela`s football journey began not on manicured greens, but on the raw, unyielding surfaces of dirt fields, a testament to his working-class roots. Rejected initially by his beloved Genoa for being too thin, he found his way into professional football through a connection, a pragmatic entry into a world he was destined to conquer. His early life was a grueling regimen: daily long bus commutes, school, training, and helping his parents at their restaurant. It was a life of sacrifice, vividly illustrated by his mother foregoing new stockings to afford his football boots.
This demanding upbringing forged the “Sebino” persona – the unyielding player. While fans famously chanted “Picchia Sebino” (Hit `em, Sebino), he clarifies, with a touch of irony, that it was never about violence. “I never hit anyone,” he states. “It referred to my tenacity on the field.” This tenacious spirit would become his trademark, earning him a place in Italian football history.
“Sebastiano is the man hidden under the football shirt. Sebino is the player.”
— Sebino Nela
The Eternal City`s Gladiator: AS Roma and the 1983 Scudetto
Nela`s career reached its zenith with AS Roma, where he became an integral part of the legendary team that secured the 1983 Scudetto. His first contract with Roma, 40 million lire, was a transformative moment, allowing his parents to finally cease their arduous work. He speaks of Rome not just as a city, but as a crucible that forged his identity. The insults from rival fans, far from deterring him, fueled his passion and doubled his energy.
Yet, even amidst glory, there were profound disappointments. The loss of the European Cup final to Liverpool the following year, where he chose to pass rather than shoot, left a mark, though he insists he “digested that defeat well.” Far more painful was the loss to Lecce two years later, which cost Roma another Scudetto. His reflections on football management are pointed, noting Roma`s historical lack of consistently strong patrons, contrasting with the success achieved under figures like Dino Viola and Franco Sensi. Despite this, his admiration for Roma`s fanbase remains unwavering, describing them as “one of the best in Europe.”
A memorable point of contention for Nela was the legendary Falcao`s decision not to take a penalty in the Liverpool final, a moment he admits disappointed him deeply, only to learn years later that Falcao himself harbored regrets.
Melody and Metaphor: The Music of Life
Beyond the roar of the stadium, Nela`s life finds rhythm in music. The renowned Italian singer Antonello Venditti dedicated a song, “Correndo correndo” (Running, Running), to him, a piece Nela listens to daily. He notes its distinction from Venditti`s typical love songs, reflecting a deeper, perhaps more personal, narrative.
His views on contemporary music are sharp and unsparing. He has abstained from watching the Sanremo Festival for a decade, lamenting its transformation into a “big political show” rather than a celebration of artistry. Nela provocatively suggests that while today`s youth still sing the classics of Patty Pravo and Battisti, the current generation of artists may not achieve such lasting legacy.
The Ultimate Battle: Confronting Cancer
The most poignant chapter of Nela`s life unfolded with his diagnosis of colon cancer. He approaches this deeply personal struggle with the same goal-oriented tenacity that defined his playing career. Enduring nights of excruciating stomach pain post-chemotherapy, his objective was simple: “Let`s try to stay in the bathroom for four hours. Then three and a half, then three.” This disciplined, incremental approach proved effective.
However, Nela expresses a profound frustration with glib comments about his recovery. He bristles at the notion that his “physique” was the sole determinant of his survival, highlighting the stark reality faced by many of his revered colleagues – Vincenzo D’Amico, Paolo Rossi, Sinisa Mihajlovic, Gianluca Vialli – who succumbed to the same disease. “The only difference between me and them is that I was luckier,” he states, a powerful testament to humility and a rejection of survivor`s guilt masked as strength.
The disease cast a long shadow over his family, which has been tragically afflicted by cancer. He recounts finding his wife and daughters in tears, a turning point where he asserted, “Enough, it`s you who need to help me now.” This shift empowered his family to support him actively. Having lost his father, brother, and a cherished sister to cancer, he now makes a conscious effort to appear tanned, a poignant attempt to mask the pallor of illness and project resilience to the world.
A Gaze Towards the Horizon: Present and Future
Today, Nela`s life is a tapestry woven with diverse interests. He expresses a curious desire to converse with a Maori in New Zealand, a fascination perhaps with a culture known for its strength and heritage. Yet, he finds equal contentment in simple pleasures: a walk along the Lazio coastline, engrossed in books on politics and geopolitics, or engaged in a strategic game of chess.
His views on the current Serie A season remain astute and measured: Napoli, he believes, possesses the tools for a repeat Scudetto, while Inter plays the most attractive football, and Milan presents itself as a potential dark horse. For his beloved Roma, a top-four finish would be “an extraordinary result,” acknowledging the challenging landscape of Italian football.
Sebino Nela`s narrative extends far beyond the boundaries of a football pitch. It is a story of enduring grit, unwavering loyalty, and the quiet courage required to face life`s ultimate adversities. He remains, unequivocally, a champion – not just for the trophies he lifted, but for the unwavering spirit with which he continues to live.
Wesley Dunham