Amelia recalls ‘last game’ with protti: ‘unrivaled ethics’ amidst legends’ chaos
The echoes of Igor Protti’s career still reverberate, and a poignant anecdote, revealed by former Livorno goalkeeper Marco Amelia, offers a glimpse into the man behind the legend. Amidst the swirling chaos of the ‘Legends’ operation, Amelia shared a moment that’s ‘surreal’ – Protti’s announcement of his final match.
A silent declaration, a lasting impact
Speaking with Gazzetta Mondiale, Amelia, now 39, recalled a pivotal June 8th, 2025 game at the Tardini Stadium, a spectacle dubbed ‘Operation Nostalgia’ pitting AC Sombrero against FC Rabona. He described Protti’s typically cheerful demeanor, the hugs, the greetings – a familiar scene for the veteran defender. Yet, amidst the throng, Protti delivered a stark announcement: ‘I’m here. And I’ll play. But this is my last game.’
The silence that followed was palpable. Amelia recounted, ‘It was freezing. And he played. He played. But first, he explained what was happening – the surgery he needed. Yet, he still smiled. That was Igor. Simply magnificent.’
Beyond the field: an ethical anchor
Amelia, who met Protti during his time at Livorno, painted a picture of a player defined not just by his skill – ‘impressive at football, with an unrivaled ethics as a person’ – but by his character. He spoke of Protti’s ability to find humor and support, even in difficult moments. ‘He understood everything: but sometimes, it’s only you who puts it back on you,’ Amelia confessed, a phrase he’d pondered for years. ‘There’s no one like him to chat with and joke around with. It's surreal, impossible.’
From Parma to Messina, Bari – wherever he played in Italy, Protti commanded respect, his infectious smile and empathetic nature earning him the moniker ‘boati’ – roars of applause that surpassed mere applause. He was a mentor to younger players, offering guidance and support, a constant presence in the dressing room. ‘He had this aura,’ Amelia said, ‘an intangible quality that made him unique.’
A legacy of resilience
Despite enduring his own hardships, Protti remained a source of strength for his teammates. Amelia noted, ‘He suffered, yes, but he was always there for everyone. It's impossible to describe…’. Protti’s impact extends far beyond the pitch; his legacy is one of unwavering integrity, a testament to the kind of professional he was.