Italian actor Gianfelice Facchetti, son of Inter hero Giacinto Facchetti, discussed his love for both Inter and Torino in an interview in today’s paper edition of the Turin based newspaper Tuttosport.
“Apart from my beloved Inter, I have a special sympathy for Toro. And for both personal and family reasons. As a child I played in the team of my area, which was also the area of Valentino Mazzola, Cassano d’Adda. Our family lived there. And the local team wore the colours of the Grande Torino, in memory of Valentino.”
Facchetti revealed which position he used to play and a humorous nickname his father gave him.
“I played in goal. And the goalkeeper’s uniform was the same every season as that of the 80’s Toro goalkeepers. But I also happened to wear Bacigalupo’s black shirt. At that time, it was a Torino colony, Cassano. And my father used to call me, like the goalkeeper of the Grande Torino, ‘Baci’ (Kisses) as a joke.”
The Italian actor revealed his happiness at the Grande Torino Museum, which also included a tribute to his father.
“My father already has dedicated exhibitions and entitled streets and squares, in Italy. But it’s the first time ever that an exhibition has been set up by an opposing supporter. Our family and I are honored. Excited. Thank you. It’s a beautiful recognition.”
“It’s a message of sportiness and respect launched to the football system. It also means getting closer to the game in the best possible way. Putting positive values on the table. And since the Turin Museum has been created and is run by fans, it is incredibly nice to underline this absolutely popular choice.”
“Also, in this case the Toro fans show special qualities. A superior sensitivity. I’m an interviewer. But I’m sure it’s also great to cheer for the Bull.”
The 45-year-old also touched on the similarities between the Torino and Inter fans.
“Then I’ve always felt strong similarities and evocations between these two worlds. I’ve always been surprised by the fact that there isn’t a twinning between the two fan groups. I also discovered many historical affinities I didn’t know about when I wrote the book for Inter’s 110th anniversary in 2018.”
“I’ll tell you an anecdote that dates back to 2008: and this will certainly please Torino’s fans. For our Centenary I called Bearzot to invite him to the Nerazzurri party. The famous coach had played for us. But he said to me, ‘I don’t feel like it. Yes, Inter was my first love, but then I married Toro.’ And in those words, I recognised a very strong bond, insurmountable. Fidelity. Until the last moment.”
He spoke about how both clubs have a rivalry with Juventus.
“In fact, once on TV I said: Juventus will have also Cristiano, but all the others are convinced that Jesus cheers for Toro.”
Facchetti discussed on the arrival of Antonio Conte at Inter.
“There are always some Inter fans who, jokingly, say to me: ‘We’re cleaning up Conte, now that he’s come to us’. The truth is that Conte has never been a villain, unlike other coaches who had said ‘never to Juve’, ‘never to Inter’, but then… Once he became a coach, Conte immediately said: ‘I will always and only wear the jersey of the teams I will train’. I like his Inter: he’s making progress, after those under Spalletti.”
Finally, Facchetti touched on the future of the Nerazzurri.
“The club is showing that they have a plan. This year we can see a further growth both from the technical point of view and from the personality one. The team has proved to be stronger than last year. As for Marotta: he worked for many clubs, not just for Juve. And when Dad was at the top of Inter, he also tried to take him to Milan. He already recognised his very competent abilities.”
