In Secondigliano, the prison walls are transformed into ideal stands for a much bigger challenge: the one against marginalization. The Citadel of Sport was inaugurated this morning inside the “Pasquale Mandato” prison, the largest ever built in an Italian penitentiary. A soccer field, two padel courts, and above all an idea: that sport can really change the destiny of those who have made mistakes.
The project, born within the initiative “Rigiocare il Futuro”, is the result of a synergy between the public, private and third sectors. The associations Seconda Chance and Sport Senza Frontiere have led the path, supported by entities such as Regione Campania, Comune di Napoli and Sport e Salute, and by numerous companies in the national productive fabric, including Entain Italia, Ita Airways and Miri Spa. The objective is as ambitious as it is clear: to offer prisoners a concrete opportunity for rebirth, building training and professional paths starting from sport.
During the ceremony, representatives from institutions, the sports world, and the voluntary sector emphasized the importance of investing in social rehabilitation to reduce recidivism and strengthen the community. "Sport is respect for the rules, discipline, and teamwork ," stated Flavia Filippi, founder of Seconda Chance, " and it represents a powerful educational and transformational tool."
After the institutional panel, the citadel came to life with inaugural soccer and padel matches featuring former Napoli players such as Emanuele Calaiò, Roberto Sosa, Francesco Montervino, and Luca Toni, along with inmates, volunteers, and employees of the participating companies. Secondigliano thus became a symbol of a justice system that never gives up hope. A prison that doesn't just punish, but also supports change. A ball rolling on the pitch, but one that can change the trajectory of a life.
