I think some Serie A fans would remember Stefano Borgonovo.

Last Wednesday, there was a tribute match held in honour of Stefano Borgonovo who was struck with a fatal motor neuron disease (it was announced few months ago).

A match between a host of Milan and Fiorentina greats, in aid of the former Milan and Fiorentina striker Stefano Borgonovo who has Motor Neuron disease took place on Wednesday night in Florence.

The charity meeting was organized to help with research to find a cure for the illness. The player’s shirts are set to be auctioned following the completion of the game to assist in the raising of funds for the cause.

The match itself proved to be quite a spectacle, with three former Golden Ball Winners on show. Ruud Gullit, Roberto Baggio and recent Milan signing Ronaldinho all took part in this event, to raise funds for a very worth cause.

The game finished 4-1in favour of La Viola, in front of a 30,000-strong crowd at the Artemio Franchi in Florence. Borgonovo entered the stadium prior to kick-off alongside former team mate Roberto Baggio and daughter, Benedetta to a rousing reception.

In a touching moment, the former Golden Ball winner then took Borgonovo to the Curva Fiesole, where the Fiorentina faithful sang several songs in his honour, whilst his former team mates taking part in the match awaited to greet him in the middle of the field.

Many of those who were able to witness the match today were moved by what took place. An emotional Cesare Prandelli said after the match that, “we should all thank Stefano because it was a thrilling evening for the birth of his association, and it is great to see the number of people who took part in the event”.

The illness is fatal over time and it is a condition which affects the nerves that help control the muscular movements around the body. It can also affect breathing, speaking and eating.

Borgonovo was born on the 17th of March, 1964, and is just 44 years of age. He managed to make 13 appearances for Milan in the late 80s, whilst making 67 for Fiorentina and scoring on 18 occasions.

His strength and courage in such difficult times is an inspiration to us all.

Here is a video from youtube on the tribute match:
It is great to see former La Viola greats like Roberto Baggio and Milan greats like Gullit, Baresi, Evani and Donadoni present... It is surprising to see how Baggio is a bit fat now and has a lot of white hair.. It is sad to see Gullit crying and Borgonovo himself smiling all the time (although badly sicken by the disease).

Forza Stefano!

damn. i read oso tear jerking alreadi, havent watched the vid somore

will watch later at home.

such a moment for all the player

I saw that on telly and it was an emotional moment. Reminds me of the Gianluca Signorini piece I posted a year or so ago. Has Genoa's inspirational captain and passed away from the same illness as Borgonovo.

This post has been edited by Duke Red: Oct 10 2008, 11:26 AM

baggio is still so 'macho' as ever.....

er how much u think they made from the league?

shy question :swt:

Didn't know him that much as I'm not a fan of serie A.
But sad.. sad video to watch.. almost shed some tear

This post has been edited by Blackened: Oct 10 2008, 09:17 PM

Those were some emotional videos, I regret not being able to watch the game.
Forza Stefano. All rossoneri fans are behind you.

very sad moment... i wish him a speedy recovery(eventho theres no cure for his illness) :-(