Igor Protti has died; Walter Mazzarri is devastated

Walter Mazzarri paid a heartfelt tribute to Igor Protti. The former Livorno coach, his voice choked with emotion, paid tribute to his former player: “My relationship with Igor went beyond that of coach and player, both when we achieved the amazing feat of bringing Livorno back to Serie A after 55 years, but above all because of the friendship that has endured over time.”

“Shortly before he received the terrible news about this illness, which turned out to be incurable, he had come to my house to film some scenes for the movie that’s already been released,” the Tuscan coach revealed to LaPresse. He didn’t yet know what was about to happen to him; I won’t say more, but shortly after that….”

“I send my warmest regards and, above all, a big hug to his family and loved ones. I don’t feel I can say more than that,” said the shaken coach from San Vincenzo.

Many, many acquaintances and fans flocked to the viewing room set up in Cecina to pay their respects to the striker, who passed away at the age of 58. Among them was Massimiliano Allegri, who played alongside Protti at Livorno from 1985 to 1988. Also present were other former Livorno players such as Alessandro Lucarelli and Marco Amelia.