Davide Lippi recounts his battle with illness

Davide Lippi, a sports agent and son of Marcello Lippi—coach of the 2006 World Cup-winning Italian national team—took to social media to reveal his battle with cancer. Lippi, 50, posted a video on his social media profiles thanking those who have helped him during this difficult period, which began about a year ago.

“About a year after I started having personal problems, I felt the need to thank everyone who has stood by me—and there are truly so many of them. In addition, of course, to my family, who helped me overcome these difficulties—which, as I’ve learned firsthand, strike suddenly, when you least expect them. And so, only if you’re lucky enough to be surrounded by people who help you cope with these challenges in some way can you look ahead.”

In the video, which features photos of his family and various figures from the world of sports, Lippi reflected on the past twelve months spent undergoing treatment and in hospitals. Things are better now, but we must keep our spirits high: “For now, we’ve won a battle, but not the war. Until the necessary time has passed, we must always keep our feet firmly on the ground. However, having my loved ones by my side—who make me feel their love and give me the strength I need—is undoubtedly important for facing certain challenges that, until you’re personally involved, you couldn’t truly understand.”

“Today I look at life from a completely different perspective, and that’s why, one year after my life changed, I wanted to say thank you to those who have been with me and shared this journey. Physically, I feel good and even ride several kilometers on my bike, because it makes me feel better. It’s also a way to get some exercise and be outdoors, where you can test your limits and understand how your body reacts. And I have to admit that at this stage, it seems I’m on the right path.”

“Together we’ve laughed and cried so many times, and having you by my side has made me strong; you’ve given me the tools to face this long journey. It’s been a crazy year full of everything, one that has taught me so much about life, and I’ve realized that without your love, I wouldn’t have won this battle—yes, because the war will still be long, but with you by my side, anything will always be possible.”