Salvatore La Gamba is remembered across Vibo Valentia on the thirteenth anniversary of his passing, marking a life defined by steadfast support for the local football club and deep involvement in community life. Born with a passion for sport that began on the dirt and asphalt of Salesian oratory football pitches, he spent decades occupying a seat in the covered tribune of the Luigi Razza stadium to back his hometown team, the Vibonese.
Thirteenth Anniversary Remembers Luigi Razza Tribune Regular
Sunday marks thirteen years since the death of a figure well-known among peers and historic supporters of Vibonese. Family and friends retain memories of his presence in the stadium stands, alongside a lifelong affection for the black-and-blue stripes of Internazionale. Beyond the terraces, his youth was shaped by matches played as a goalkeeper on clay surfaces and street pitches before organized turf fields became common.
La Gamba Inspires Annual Sports Award in Calabria
Away from matchdays, La Gamba maintained an active role in local social, family, and professional circles in Calabria. That civic dedication inspired the creation of the Premio Sportivo Salvatore La Gamba, an annual sports award now in its sixth edition. Over the years, the accolade has recognized prominent figures from Italian football and sports journalism, including World Cup winner Simone Perrotta, former Italy national volleyball coach Julio Velasco, Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso, and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina.
Additional honorees across past editions span various sports and administrative roles, featuring former Lazio and Inter coach Simone Inzaghi, sports agent Davide Lippi, Radio Rai journalist Francesco Repice, AIAC president Renzo Ulivieri, former Napoli president Corrado Ferlaino, Sky Sport journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, and former national team goalkeeper Lido Vieri. The roster also includes Lazio general secretary Armando Antonio Calveri, former manager Franco Colomba, Catanzaro captain Pietro Iemmello, Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Nicola Binda, and Figc-Lnd Calabria president Saverio Mirarchi.
Further recipients recognized by the committee comprise former Inter player Felice Natalino, Catanzaro president Floriano Noto, former Milan and Catanzaro player Giuseppe Sabadini, Cosenza Calcio president Eugenio Guarascio, Vibonese Calcio president Pippo Caffo, Volley Tonno Callipo Calabria president Pippo Callipo, and coach Zdenek Zeman. Spiritual and regional sports leadership has also been honored through Monsignor Attilio Nostro, Bishop of the Diocese of Mileto and a national cycling representative for Vatican City, alongside cycling champion Claudio Chiappucci, table tennis champion Miriam Carnovale, powerboating world champion Claudio Gullo, judo champion Federica Mirabello, and regional clubs Lory Volley Pizzo, Bulldog Vibo Valentia, and Todo Volley.
Commemorative Mass Scheduled at San Leoluca Cathedral
A commemorative holy mass will be celebrated in his memory on Monday evening at 6:00 p.m. at the Duomo of San Leoluca in Vibo Valentia. The service brings together relatives, local sports figures, and community members to observe the anniversary of his passing.
