He doesn't wear the blue of Napoli, yet from today Pedro is a darling in the heart of the city. His brace against Inter changed the fate of the championship: while the Nerazzurri were stopped by Lazio, Conte's team remained stuck at 0-0 in Parma but still managed to maintain first place. A combination that keeps the dream of the Scudetto alive for the Neapolitans, masters of their own destiny with just one matchday to go.
Naples reacted with the instinct of the heart. Last night, while the streets were deserted, a single chorus rose from windows and clubs: “Pedro Pedro Pedro Pedro”, to the tune of Raffaella Carrà. The song became a liberating cry, a spontaneous declaration of love that also invaded social media. Videos, memes, stories: the name of the former Barcelona player bounced everywhere, acclaimed as a secular savior in a white and blue jersey.
And today the final consecration has arrived, one that in Naples is worth almost more than a monument: the figurine in the nativity scene. It was created by master Marco Ferrigno , guardian of one of the city's most vibrant and symbolic traditions, that of San Gregorio Armeno. The figurine depicts Pedro exulting, pointing his finger to the sky, against a blue base engraved with the words: "Thank you, Pedro." "It's a sincere tribute ," explains Ferrigno. " Pedro has entered the hearts of Neapolitans without wanting to. Here, we don't forget those who lend us a hand, even if they wear another jersey."
Word of the new creation has already spread through the alleys of the historic center. Some have stopped by to see it, others have promised to buy it and keep it on their nightstand "at least until Friday." Ferrigno smiles and adds: "The Neapolitan nativity scene is both news and heartfelt. Pedro, today, is the perfect symbol of a dramatic turn of events. But let's say it quietly, because even terracotta in Naples respects superstition." The figurine will be ready before the final matchday. Then we'll see whether it ends up on display or goes straight into the "scudetto nativity scene."
Pedro's story is really interesting, but I don't know if it's right to make so much noise about a player who never wore the blue jersey. Despite this, it's true that he brought joy and hope to Napoli fans.