Igor Protti Has Died; Bari, Lazio, and Naples Mourn: “Goodbye, Zar!”
Igor Protti has died, and the soccer world is paying tribute to him. One of the most significant chapters in the former Rimini striker’s career was his time in Bari, where he was awarded honorary citizenship, just as he was in Livorno. With the Galletti, he played 121 games, scoring 51 goals and winning the hearts of the Biancorossi fans. “You played your toughest match with the courage of the greats, and even though today’s final whistle leaves everyone heartbroken, you will always remain in the memories of those who cheered for you,” reads Bari’s message. Your goals, your runs past the stands, and your love for these colors have inspired generations of red-and-white fans to dream. Your example has made us proud. Today, all your fan bases mourn together, but they also celebrate the honor of having had you as their symbol. Farewell, Zar! The entire SSC Bari and President Luigi De Laurentiis join Igor Protti’s family in their grief.”
Lecce, their great rival in the derbies, also paid tribute: “Lecce joins the soccer world in mourning the passing of Igor Protti, a loyal opponent and unforgettable protagonist of so many battles on the field. Our most sincere condolences go out to his family from the entire Giallorossi club.”
Messages of condolence also came from Lazio and Napoli, where Protti played during his final three seasons in Serie A. “Lazio joins in mourning the passing of Igor Protti, a Biancoceleste forward from 1996 to 1997 and a true bastion of tenacity and passion. Top scorer in Serie A, B, and C, he won over entire fan bases and scored unforgettable goals, such as the decisive one in the derby: an example on the field, an example in the face of illness. In this moment of deep sorrow, the Club extends its heartfelt condolences to his family.”
“President Aurelio De Laurentiis, the management, the team, and the entire SSC Napoli join in mourning the passing of Igor Protti, an extraordinary symbol and unforgettable striker in Italian soccer. He wore the blue jersey during the ’97/98 season, making a commendable contribution and always winning people’s hearts with his human and athletic qualities. He fought until the very end with his usual tenacity, showing a wonderful love for life and his family. Goodbye, Igor.”
