Juventus goalkeeper Stefano Tacconi has published his autobiography, “L’arte di parare” (The Art of Saving), in which he recounts the chapters of his life, including the severe aneurysm that struck him on April 23, 2022. Despite the health challenges, Tacconi emphasizes that he has kept his strong and rebellious character, writing that even though people now tell him what to do, he remains “the same rebel”.
The book begins with memories from childhood in Ponte Felcino and his mother, Giannina. Tacconi also shares peak moments of his career, such as the promise he made to his father that he would one day play in a European Cup final, as well as saving two penalties in the Intercontinental Cup, a moment when he knew he would be the protagonist after Platini’s goal was disallowed. He also recalls two other important dates: November 23, 1980, the day of the earthquake in Irpinia, when help arrived late and people dug with their hands to save survivors, and May 29, 1985, the Heysel tragedy. Regarding Heysel, Tacconi says Michel Platini was so traumatized that he wanted to withdraw, but believes the decision to play helped save other lives. He also mentions last year’s reunion with the ’85 champions, where Platini expressed surprise at how they had managed to win.
Tacconi also talks about his relationship with Walter Zenga at Italia ’90, stressing that, contrary to rumors, they had a good relationship and even coordinated their statements to journalists. He recalls how Boniperti fined him 10 million lire for a joke about Silvio Berlusconi, who was rehearsing an escape from Milanello, but lawyer Gianni Agnelli paid half of the fine. Another anecdote is Gaetano Scirea’s only fine in his career, which came when he was late to training because Tacconi forgot to pick him up. Scirea made Tacconi pay the entire fine. Finally, Tacconi expresses his wishes for Juventus’s future, suggesting that appointing Alessandro Del Piero as president would be “the best thing they could do”.
Taken from La Gazzetta dello Sport