Virginia's serene and happy face, wrapped in the colors of Napoli as she celebrated the Scudetto, has become the symbol of a pain that spans the ocean. Nine years old, with an infectious smile, and a passion for soccer inherited from her father, originally from the Telesina Valley: she is the Italian girl missing in the dramatic floods that struck Texas in recent days.
There has been no news of her for hours. Hope rests on the search efforts of rescue teams, engaged in devastating situations including overflowing rivers, landslides, and widespread blackouts.
Virginia was with her family in the United States, where they've lived for years, when torrential rains hit their area. The storm overwhelmed roads, homes, and entire communities. And them too. Her mother is safe, but the little girl is officially missing.
A word that weighs like a condemnation, but which—as long as it remains so—keeps the flame of hope alive. In Naples , that same hope became a prayer. The Azzurri gathered around the family, in a collective embrace that unites sporting loyalty, human affection, and Campanian blood.
The hashtag #ForzaVirginia has already appeared on hundreds of profiles. Because Virginia, with that photo taken in Texas while celebrating Napoli's victory, embodies a Naples that is distant yet close. A Naples that lives elsewhere, that suffers and hopes, that doesn't forget its roots. And that today, more than ever, asks for a miracle.
Chronicles of Campania
From grief to hope: mother Patrizia's appeal to Napoli fans
With great composure and a calmness that struck the entire stadium, Patrizia Mercolino addressed her appeal to Napoli fans...
It's very sad to hear about this missing little girl. I hope her family can find her soon. The situation in Texas is truly dire, and many are suffering from these floods. More must be done to help.