«Given the proliferation of fundraising initiatives, the Vialli family has not given authorization to use the name of Gianluca Vialli to any organization with the exception of Vialli and Mauro Foundation for Research and Sport Onlus”. Thus, in a note, released by the Vialli and Mauro Foundation for research and sport onlus. The clarification also comes a few hours after the controversy raised by the journalist Selvaggia Lucarelli who targeted the event on Sunday in Reggio Calabria, organized in the name of Vialli.
«I come across this event which claims to be beneficial (a football match in Reggio Calabria) – writes Lucarelli – and which uses Vialli’s face. Patronage of the municipality of Reggio, support of the Archdiocese, organized by “La Nazionale Azzurri” di Alessandro Arena (a musician) with the collaboration of Nicola Elia Alvaro, sports agent. Many people join, including footballers and various VIPs. The press release talks about Candela, Pippo Inzaghi, Giuseppe Sculli, Pardo, Petrelli, Facchinetti, Materazzi and so on. (Pardo and Facchinetti tell me that in light of what is known they will not go). The event is relaunched by a sports betting company.” Lucarelli actually casts doubt various aspects of this initiative and above all asks to verify the project.
The initiative
At the Oreste Granillo Stadium in Reggio CalabriaSunday 10 September 2023, at 21, the football match “The Legend Gianluca Vialli” will be held, in memory of the footballer of the national team, Cremonese, Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea, who passed away on 6 January 2023. The Nazionale Azzurri (National Blue WSA) by Alexander Arenaunder the patronage of the Municipality of Reggio Calabria, the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, the Calabria Region and with the support of the Archdiocese of Reggio Calabria-Bova, will give life to a memorable solidarity event, as the proceeds from the sale of tickets of the lot will be allocated to the Structure We Aut, specialized in assisting autistic children and in raising awareness of this problem, in which former teammates, actors, singers and friends of the great deceased footballer will participate. The We Aut structure, founded by Alessandro Arena, offers support to children afflicted with autism which is a serious problem linked to neurodevelopment which mainly involves language and communication, social interaction and gives rise to restricted, stereotyped interests and repetitive behaviours.