In the pantheon of Italian football, some names resonate not just for their on-pitch prowess but for the sheer force of character they embody. Sebino Nela, the tenacious defender who once graced the hallowed grounds of Serie A with Genoa and AS Roma, is one such figure. His story, recounted recently, is a candid and powerful narrative stretching far beyond the confines of a football pitch, delving into the realms of personal battle, philosophical reflections, and unexpected aspirations.
The Man Behind the Tenacious Tackle
For many fans, he was Sebino, the hard-nosed defender, relentless in his pursuit of the ball, embodying a spirit that earned him the chant “Picchia Sebino” (Fight Sebino). He clarifies this, not as an incitement to violence, but a testament to his sheer grit and determination. Beneath the legendary number, however, was Sebastiano, a man shaped by humble beginnings and profound life experiences.
Nela`s football journey began on dirt fields, a stark contrast to the manicured pitches of professional leagues. His entry into the sport, he openly admits, involved a “recommendation,” a common narrative in the era, yet his success was undeniably earned through grueling dedication. Long days balanced between school, training, and aiding his parents in their restaurant underscore the work ethic that propelled him. The moment he brought home his first prize money from Genoa, witnessing his father`s tears of joy, remains etched in his memory as a life highlight. His first substantial contract with AS Roma, a then-princely 40 million lire, allowed his parents to finally step away from their demanding work – a poignant testament to the sacrifices made and repaid.
Giallorossi Glory and Lingering Regrets
His tenure at AS Roma marked the zenith of his playing career. Nela immediately grasped the club`s fervent identity, finding fuel in the rivalries and an unwavering connection with the passionate Roma faithful, whom he still considers among Europe`s best. He cherished the unforgettable 1983 Scudetto victory, a defining moment in the club`s history. Yet, football, like life, is not without its heartbreaks.
The bitter defeat in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year, though painful, was “digested well.” More stinging was the Scudetto-costing loss to Lecce two seasons later, a testament to how deeply the championship meant to him. He also doesn`t shy away from revisiting the infamous moment when legendary teammate Falcao chose not to take a penalty in that Liverpool final, a decision that, Nela reveals, Falcao later expressed regret over. Nela thoughtfully observes that Roma`s greatest successes often coincided with strong, visionary patrons like Dino Viola and Franco Sensi, a perspective that offers a subtle commentary on club leadership dynamics.
Beyond the Touchline: A Man of Depth
Sebino Nela`s life extends far beyond the roar of the stadium. His autobiography, “Il vento in faccia e la tempesta nel cuore” (The wind in the face and the storm in the heart), deliberately focuses on Sebastiano, the man, rather than a mere collection of locker-room anecdotes. This introspective approach hints at a personality deeply reflective and nuanced.
His connection to music is equally profound. The iconic Italian singer Antonello Venditti dedicated the song “Correndo correndo” (Running, Running) to him, a track Nela listens to daily. Yet, with a hint of irony, he views the modern Sanremo Festival as a “big political show” rather than a true celebration of music, preferring the enduring artistry of past generations. His interests are broad, ranging from politics and geopolitics to the intricate strategy of chess. Indeed, one of his most intriguing future aspirations is to converse with a Maori in New Zealand, a desire that speaks volumes about his open mind and curiosity for diverse cultures and philosophies.
The Toughest Opponent: Battling Cancer
The most poignant chapter of Nela`s story is his courageous fight against colon cancer. With the same resolve he displayed on the field, he approached his illness with a footballer`s mentality: setting objectives. During agonizing nights filled with post-chemotherapy pain, he would set small, achievable goals, such as reducing the time spent in the bathroom by half an hour each night. This disciplined approach, he believes, helped him through.
However, Nela firmly rejects the notion that his survival was solely due to his physical strength. With a raw, honest perspective that might make a stoic philosopher raise an eyebrow, he attributes his continued life to a simple, yet profound, element: luck. He poignantly contrasts his fate with that of beloved colleagues lost to the same disease – Vincenzo D`Amico, Paolo Rossi, Sinisa Mihajlovic, and Gianluca Vialli. “The only difference between me and them is that I was luckier,” he states, a stark reminder of the arbitrary nature of such battles.
His struggle was not solitary; it deeply affected his family. He recounts finding his wife and daughters in tears, a moment that prompted him to declare, “Enough, you are the ones who must help me now.” The grim reality of cancer has also touched his family profoundly, with his father, a brother, and a sister succumbing to the disease, and another sister battling it for 14 years. Nela`s aversion to looking pale during his treatment, leading him to now seek a tanned appearance, offers a glimpse into his human desire for a semblance of normalcy and vitality amidst the profound challenges.
Present Joys and Future Horizons
Today, Nela finds contentment in simpler pleasures, like peaceful walks along the Lazio coastline. He continues to engage his mind with complex subjects and his strategic prowess with chess. While keeping a keen eye on current football, he offers his analysis on the Serie A title race – tipping Napoli for retention, Inter as the best-playing team, and Milan as a dark horse. For his beloved Roma, he pragmatically suggests that a top-four finish would be an “extraordinary result.”
Sebino Nela`s journey is a powerful narrative of transformation: from the driven athlete to the introspective author, from the passionate fan to the cancer survivor who carries the weight of loss but embraces the gift of life with profound gratitude and an unyielding zest for discovery. His story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, both on and off the field.
Murray Blackwood