Ancona welcomed a constellation of Italian football legends as the “Operazione Nostalgia” Serie A gathering brought roughly 10,000 fans to Stadio Del Conero for a nostalgic celebration of 1990s and 2000s Calcio. The event blended a pre-match Fan Village experience with a high-scoring exhibition match that ultimately finished with a 4-1 victory for the White team.
Stadio Del Conero Hosts Retro Calcio Celebration
For one evening, the stadium stepped back in time. Supporters packed the stands wearing iconic jerseys from Italian football’s golden era, creating an atmosphere that highlighted a deep affection for past eras of the sport. The festivities began during the afternoon at the Fan Village, where fans gathered for photographs and autographs before heading into the main arena.
A Pitch Reunited With Iconic Serie A Greats
The pitch featured a lengthy parade of stars who defined the era, including Gianluigi Buffon, Dida, Luca Toni, Fabrizio Ravanelli, Paolo Di Canio, Angelo Di Livio, Alessio Tacchinardi, and Vincenzo Iaquinta. Among the stellar lineup, Totò Di Natale put in an inspired shift, emerging as the standout performer of the evening.
Emotional Tributes Paid to Protti and Baresi
Before kick-off, the crowd observed tributes honoring Igor Protti and Franco Baresi, who were remembered with celebratory jerseys and a prolonged ovation from the stands. The stadium also offered a special welcome to former Ancona players, highlighted by a standing ovation for Massimo Gadda, who captained the club during its first Serie A of 1992.
White Team Mounts Second-Half Comeback
Action on the field started when Nicola Ventola opened the scoring for the Black team.
The White team mounted a comeback in the second half. Massimo Oddo leveled the score at 1-1, and Maurizio Ganz netted the go-ahead goal following an assist from Di Natale. Di Natale then added a third with a delicate lob from a difficult angle before providing the assist for David Di Michele, who sealed the 4-1 final score.
Match-Worn Jerseys Auctioned for Salesi Hospital
Beyond the goals and the walk down memory lane, the event carried a charitable mission. The match-worn jerseys of the participating players will be put up for auction to support the Fondazione Ospedale Salesi.
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