Ezio Luzzi, a renowned voice from the iconic Italian radio show "Tutto il calcio minuto per minuto," recently recounted his unforgettable encounters with the legendary Diego Armando Maradona. The 91-year-old Luzzi, known for his captivating chronicles of football, shared this remarkable story during his exclusive interview with La Repubblica.
Luzzi's nostalgia takes us back to 1984, when Maradona was making headlines for his imminent move to Napoli. Luzzi recalled, "Mi fece fare uno scoop, annunciandomi che andava al Napoli," which translates to, "He gave me a scoop, announcing to me he was going to Napoli." This announcement, made during Luzzi's time with the Italian national team in New York, serves as a poignant reminder of Maradona's influence on the sport and media.
The story takes another twist, illustrating the familiarity and camaraderie between Luzzi and Maradona. Luzzi affectionately referred to Maradona as "paisà," acknowledging their shared Argentine heritage. Their playful banter reached its peak during a flight to Stuttgart for the UEFA Cup final where tensions rose momentarily. "Quando andammo a Stoccarda per la finale di Coppa Uefa del Napoli, noi giornalisti viaggiavamo al seguito della squadra, lo salutai 'paisà'. Maradona saltò su. 'Come ti permetti?'" Luzzi recounts. This translates to, "When we went to Stuttgart for the Napoli UEFA Cup final, we journalists traveled with the team, and I greeted him with 'paisà.' Maradona jumped up. 'How dare you?'
Despite the initial friction, Luzzi's narrative reveals how moments like these blossomed friendships. "Poi capì. Siamo stati amici," Luzzi said, meaning, "Then he understood. We became friends." This personal touch adds depth to Maradona’s larger-than-life persona, reminding fans of his human side.
Born in Santa Fè, Argentina, Luzzi's connection to football transcends the field, aligning with the rich history of the sport. Luzzi noted, "Sì, a Santa Fè, in Argentina. Mio padre era il custode e avevamo diritto all’appartamento all’interno dell’impianto," confirming his origin story tied closely to football grounds. Such roots contribute to Luzzi’s perspective on the sport and his role within it.
Throughout his distinguished career, Luzzi has witnessed eight World Cups and eight Olympic Games, showcasing his vast experience. He even shared harrowing memories from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, stating, "Ad Atlanta ho rischiato di morire. La bomba scoppiò a pochi metri da me. Chiamai Roma, sono stato il primo al mondo a dare la notizia," which translates to, "At Atlanta, I risked dying. The bomb exploded just meters from me. I called Rome; I was the first person in the world to report the news." Such anecdotes not only highlight Luzzi’s dedication to journalism but also his remarkable ability to remain at the forefront of significant events.
Luzzi’s reflections extend beyond personal anecdotes; he also comments on the current state of sports journalism. He remarked, "Le cronache sportive di oggi sono imbottite di informazioni inutili. Ma a chi frega?" meaning, "Today's sports chronicles are stuffed with useless information. But who cares?" This statement resonates with many fans and critics questioning the depth and relevance of modern sports media.
Back when Luzzi was actively reporting, he carved out a unique niche within Italian sports commentary. He recalled the rivalry between his peers: "La rivalità tra Ciotti e Ameri: Ciotti soffriva il fatto che Ameri fosse il numero uno. Diceva: io ho fatto il liceo, lui solo un maestro elementare," he said, highlighting how focus on education and background made waves among broadcasters.
Ezio Luzzi's recollections not only celebrate the life of Diego Maradona but also reflect on the ephemeral nature of media and sports. While the world continues to evolve, Luzzi's stories allow us to revisit and appreciate the essence of football history—a history rich with personalities, friendships, and moments of passion.
Through Luzzi's voice, we not only honor the legend of Maradona but also acknowledge the connections built through sports, making the world feel smaller and more intimate with each shared story. His narrative is a reminder of the shared human experiences behind the statistics, rivalries, and achievements.