Igor Protti Has Died; Sandro Tovalieri Mourns: “Goodbye, big brother”

Igor Protti’s death has hit hardest those closest to him and those who played alongside him during his twenty-year career at the highest level. Among them is Sandro Tovalieri, who formed a dynamic duo with the Rimini native at Bari, bringing great joy to the Galletti for two and a half seasons in red and white.

The bond between the two was very strong and extended far beyond the field. After news broke of the 58-year-old former striker’s passing due to a serious illness, Tovalieri posted on social media: “Goodbye, my big brother—you’ve broken my heart. For me, this is a very sad day because you were, are, and always will be a model of life and of loyalty—both on and off the field.”

“A part of me is leaving with you, but leaving with you is a beautiful, extraordinary, and unique thing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what we shared on and off the field; I promise you that a part of my heart will always and only be yours. Goodbye, champion and my brother.”

The bond between Protti and Bari was one of the most intense of his career: with the Galletti, he played 121 games, scoring 51 goals and winning the hearts of the Biancorossi fans, who awarded him honorary citizenship. The Apulian club bid him farewell with an official message filled with emotion: “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. Your goals, your runs toward the stands, and your love for these colors have inspired generations of Biancorossi fans to dream. Farewell, Zar!”