Mourning in Lombardy soccer: Farewell to Walter Sangalli, a legendary figure in Cernusco soccer
The Lombardy sports community mourns the passing of Walter Sangalli, a longtime figure in local soccer, who died at the age of 81. A guiding light for entire generations of Cernusco athletes, Sangalli leaves a profound mark not only on the world of soccer and on Football Club Cernusco, but more broadly on the community of Cernusco sul Naviglio.
“FC Cernusco mourns the passing of Walter Sangalli, our former Vice President and a figure deeply connected to the history of soccer in Cernusco,” reads the club’s statement. Walter was one of the founders of FC Cernusco and, even before that, played a key role in the history of AC Cernusco, including as head coach of the first team during its time in the Promozione division. A life dedicated to soccer, to the colors of our city, and to building an organization that still upholds those values and that passion today.”
“To Walter, we extend our most sincere thanks for everything he represented and for what he left behind for our club. His memory will forever remain a part of our history. The entire FC Cernusco family extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. “Goodbye, Walter,” concludes the red-and-blue club.
The Don Gnocchi Sports Center in Cernusco sul Naviglio also paid tribute to Sangalli: “He was a promoter and organizer of sports at the parish youth center, a lover of beautiful, fair play for everyone; an attentive, competent, and passionate collaborator first at the Don Gnocchi Sports Center and later also at the Agorà cinema-theater and other parish activities; his willingness to help with the preparation and setup, every year, of the large Nativity scene in the provost’s church was invaluable.”
“Those who enjoyed his friendship—and there are many—remember him for his open nature, his sincere attention to each person, his thoughtful helpfulness, his lively mind, and his wide range of interests. He, too, played a significant role in shaping a good part of the Don Gnocchi Sports Center’s sixty-year history,” the condolence note continues.
