Reggio Calabria recently played host to “Operazione Nostalgia,” a gathering that saw football`s old guard, including the venerable Ciccio Cozza, return to the Granillo stadium. More than just a friendly match, it was an occasion for reflection, a journey back through the triumphs and trials that shaped one of Reggina`s most beloved figures. Cozza, now 51, stood as a testament to a career lived with unwavering passion, a story he candidly shared, touching upon childhood dreams, the allure of Milan, the heart of Reggina, and the storms weathered off the pitch.
From Calabria`s Shores to Milan`s Grand Stage (Briefly)
Born in a modest Calabrian town, Cozza`s footballing journey began with the universal dream of a young boy: to play in Serie A, ideally for his beloved Reggina. A precocious talent, he found himself, at the tender age of 15, whisked away to the illustrious AC Milan. In an era predating smartphones and instant communication, this was an almost unimaginable leap. While the dream of donning the Rossoneri senior shirt remained unfulfilled – a pragmatic, if slightly ironic, twist for a player of his calibre – Cozza holds no regrets. Milan, he explains, was a crucible where he forged his character, gained invaluable experience, and even collected a league title and a cup, albeit from the periphery. It was, in his words, the “start of the dream,” a foundation for the greater narrative that awaited him.
Reggina: The Heartbeat of a Legend
It was upon his return to Reggio Calabria that Ciccio Cozza truly bloomed, transforming from a promising talent into an undisputed icon. “Cozza is Reggina, and Reggina is Cozza,” he states, a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates the symbiotic relationship between player and club. For years, he was the pulsating heart of the team, setting records for appearances and goals. He graced the pitch against titans like Dida, Baggio, and Totti – names he once only admired on “Novantesimo Minuto.” His impact transcended statistics; he became a living embodiment of the club`s spirit, weaving himself into the fabric of the city`s identity. This wasn`t just football; it was a deeply personal saga written on the Granillo turf.
Beyond the Touchline: Navigating Unseen Battles
The life of a public figure, particularly a cherished one, often extends beyond the confines of the playing field, sometimes into unwelcome territories. Cozza candidly recounted a painful chapter when he found himself entangled in a judicial investigation. Despite the eventual vindication, with “nothing ever found against me on paper,” the shadow of suspicion left an indelible mark. It`s a sobering reminder that public perception, once tainted, can linger stubbornly, often eclipsing the reality of innocence. He describes it as an experience that “hurt his family” and one he hopes no one else endures – a testament to the profound personal cost of such public scrutiny.
A Personal Renaissance: Finding Peace and New Beginnings
Cozza`s journey also included the very public dissolution of his marriage to Manila Nazzaro. This period, marked by what he describes as “absurd things” and “many lies” in the public narrative, was another crucible. However, time and legal clarity have since brought closure. With the well-being of their children as the paramount concern, both have moved on. Today, Cozza speaks of a profound happiness, sharing his life with a new partner, Celestina, and their son. It`s a narrative arc that speaks to resilience, the ability to find joy and stability even after navigating turbulent personal waters.
The Future: A Global Pitch and Italian Football`s Stagnation
Now a seasoned coach, Cozza`s passion for the game remains undimmed, though his gaze is set beyond Italy`s borders. He expresses a desire to coach abroad, to immerse himself in “other championships, other realities.” This ambition stems from a critical, yet empathetic, assessment of Italian football. He perceives a stagnation, a struggle to identify and nurture new talent, a challenge starkly reflected in the national team`s recent difficulties. His hope now rests on figures like Gennaro Gattuso to reinvigorate the domestic game. It`s a call for evolution, a subtle nudge for Italian football to rediscover its innovative spark and perhaps, ironically, learn from the wider world that Cozza himself now seeks to explore.
Ciccio Cozza`s narrative is more than just a footballer`s memoir; it`s a testament to the enduring human spirit. From the wide-eyed boy with a ball to the respected veteran reflecting on a life richly lived, his story is one of dreams pursued, challenges faced, and a legacy carved not just in goals and victories, but in the unwavering connection to his roots and the relentless pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment. His candid reflections offer a valuable perspective on the demanding, often unforgiving, yet ultimately rewarding world of professional football, both on and off the field.