Florence, 5 January 2026 – That of Tommy it is a story with an ancient flavor. Of dreams and belonging. Because even at 7 years old you can demonstrate a lot even to those who are older. The story starts a few days ago, when the love of a child – resident in the province of Lodi – for the Fiorentina. Unconditional. Pure and simple. Tommy doesn’t care if Kean and his teammates are bottom of the table and at the time they hadn’t yet won a match in the league. He enjoys being a goalkeeper. His point of reference is De Gea, his absolute idol Dodo. Unbridled passion for Fiorentina transmitted by his mother Vania, so much so that Tommy he goes to school every day dressed in his favorite team’s tracksuit and t-shirt. And at that age the innocent teasing of classmates can hurt. Because where he lives, he cares nothing about Fiorentina and indeed, the fact that they are last in the standings authorizes teasing and teasing. Others might have given up. Tommy didn’t. More determined than ever to proudly show his passion.
The purple cheer and little Tommy together with Dodô in the photo posted by his mother on social media
The social history
The story, thanks to the positive power (for once) of social media, has gone viral and has also reached Viola Park. On Christmas day Tommy found an unexpected gift under the tree. A shirt with the number 1, signed by De Gea and Dodo, who added a message with the marker. “Always believe in dreams.” Powerful message, that Tommy and his mom Vania they were able to touch it first-hand. Because Fiorentina itself invited the whole family, including father Matteo and sister Viola (not a random name) to the stands to watch the match against Cremonese live. Over the course of the week Tommy prepared his poster to display at the stadium. “Believing in dreams changes stories”filmed by the cameras broadcasting the match and went viral on the web. And also a bit of a symbol of Fiorentina’s Sunday, victorious in the 92nd minute with a goal from Kean, when it seemed there was nothing left to do.
The meeting
However, Tommy received the best surprise after the match, welcomed into the locker room by his idols. He spoke with De Gea, he joked with Dodo. He received Martinelli’s shirt and Lezzerini’s gloves. And he took away with him the memory of an incredible day. As mother Vania said in the post that closed her family’s day in Florence. “We are on the return train. Tommy is sleeping. Today’s emotions were many, all at once. I already know that when he wakes up, at the end of the journey, he will think he has dreamed it all. And instead we will be there to remind him that it is all true. There will be the photos with Dodo. There will be the hug with De Gea. There will be Tommaso Martinelli and that shirt he gave him, kept like a relic. There will be Lezzerini’s gloves. And then there will be the messages. Many. Of those who saw that billboard on TV: “Believing in dreams changes stories.” And yes, today history has really changed a little. Franchi’s roar at Kean’s goal, Tommy with his arms in the air, part of that scream, part of that moment, part of something enormous. Today his heart was filled. And mine too. I will always cherish the memory of this beautiful day. I will keep everything. Except what Tommy and the Fiorentina players said to each other in the locker room. Not that. That will remain a precious treasure, his alone, and will accompany him forever.” Full speed ahead Tommy, always with his head held high. With a purple colored heart.
