When football and culture meet

Last Saturday, "Il Giardino d'Autore" presented the book "Careca. The Angel with the Number 9" at the ANEI hall, written by Anna Calì, a young Neapolitan journalist and writer who was also present.

A simple and enjoyable presentation, accompanied by a performance of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Capoeira by the Napoli Cultura Viva Association. President Antonia Baiano spoke about this, explaining how every Brazilian footballer practices this discipline that combines dance and acrobatics.

And Careca did it regularly. The book is dedicated, through the eyes of a young protagonist, to the Napoli center forward of Maradona. The book celebrates the champion who found a place in the hearts of Neapolitans beyond Maradona's presence, with his prowess and his humanity.

Here's a celebration of football: humane, crowd-friendly, and a role model for young people. Teresa De Giulio, who, together with Grazia Vernillo, passionately runs the cultural program at Giardino d'Autore, is incredibly beautiful.

But obviously, given the presence of City Councillor Emanuela Ferrante, the debate prompted by both Corriere di Pianura Editor Di MaIo and the public also addressed the situation facing the many sports clubs in the Pianura neighborhood.

The lack of compliant facilities is now an Achilles heel to the sector's ability to achieve even more prestigious results. Councilor Ferrante was quick to point out, clearly explaining that the PNRR funding for sports facilities is minimal compared to other categories.

Napoli, however, received the maximum available amount of €11 million. This amount can do very little, so funding was provided for the renovation of two multipurpose facilities in two at-risk neighborhoods, Ponticelli and Piscinola. In Pianura, the renovation of an uncovered area adjacent to the Russo school on Via Napoli is planned.

Compared to what was once decided and funded for the neighborhood, the Pianura Sports Hall, Councilor Ferrante said, lacks space due to its urban structure. The poison of illegal construction, which harmed the neighborhood so many years ago, is seeping back into the throat, right up until the post-earthquake construction that finally brought it to a halt.

A beautiful morning, despite everything.

GM