Daniele de Rossi has paid tribute to Italy’s former kitman in the most touching manner possible, as the Roma star left his 2006 FIFA World Cup winner’s medal in the coffin of the deceased. The salute to Pietro Lombardi, who was Italy’s kitman in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, came after he passed away at the age of 92.
De Rossi has a history of opting for heart over head in quite a few of his decisions, although this one is probably the most moving. The Roma midfielder had completed his training on Wednesday ahead of Sunday's pivotal clash with Inter Milan in a hurry, driving off in silence as he made his way to Florence to attend Lombardi’s funeral.
Lombardi earned the admiration of many of that 2006 Azzurri squad, with the players nicknaming him ‘ Spazzolino’ (toothbrush), since the aged Italian was quite adept at cleaning the footballers’ shoes. Lombardi was 82 years old when Italy won the 2006 World Cup, and was much loved as he was always present to take care of the needs of the Italian squad.
The 92-year-old passed away on the 14th of March, with his funeral taking place on Wednesday, the 16th. As De Rossi walked up to pay his final tribute, the Roma legend parted with his most cherished possession, all in the aim of poignantly anointing Lombardi a World Cup champion for eternity, placing the medal into the coffin as he said goodbye to his friend for one last time.
Totti offers his own tribute as well
Francesco Totti, another of Italy’s pivotal members in that 2006 FIFA World Cup winning squad also paid tribute to Lombardi on his personal blog. Totti, who is squadmates with De Rossi at both Roma and Italy, acknowledged Lombardi’s contribution and upstanding values.
Here is the full text of Totti’s tribute:
A 2006 World Champion left us tonight: his name was Pietro, but we all called him Spazzolino.
He was great and I was especially fond of him; he always had a smile on his face and was always there to help. He was a Fiorentina fan, but always had huge respect and admiration for all of us on the National Selection.
He was one of a kind and I will miss him very much.
Spazzolino, you will always be in my heart.
Despite the playing careers of these two Roma legends winding down, their off-field actions reveal the stature of these one-club men. Truly, truly a rarity in football.
