Rome, May 25 – After months of heated debate, on May 24, 1915, Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary, thus entering the First World War. This decision was met with mixed reactions, as many feared the consequences of such a bold move. However, what often goes unrecognized is the bravery and sacrifice of the forgotten heroes of this war – the football players.
At the time, football was gaining popularity in Italy, and many young men saw it as a way to escape their humble beginnings and make a name for themselves. However, when war broke out, these same players willingly put aside their dreams and took up arms, fighting alongside their brothers and comrades on the battlefield.
One such player was Ottavio Barbieri, who had been playing for Genoa when the war started. Despite being offered a chance to continue his football career in Switzerland, he chose to enlist in the army instead. He fought with courage and distinction, rising through the ranks to become a lieutenant. Sadly, he was killed in action in 1917, leaving behind a wife and two young children.
Another player turned soldier was Enrico Sardi, who played for Pro Vercelli. He, too, joined the army and was sent to the front lines. Despite being wounded, he continued to fight until he was captured by the enemy. He spent the remainder of the war in a prisoner of war camp, where he organized a football staff with fellow prisoners, bringing a bit of joy and camaraderie in an otherwise bleak situation.
These are just two of the countless stories of football players turned soldiers during the First World War. Many of them never returned home, while others came back forever changed by the horrors they witnessed. However, what is truly remarkable is that despite the chaos and violence of war, these players never forgot their love for football.
In fact, during the war, a makeshift football league was organized among the soldiers on both sides of the conflict. The game provided a much-needed distraction and a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of war. It also served as a way for soldiers to bond and find solace in each other’s company.
But these players were not just playing for fun; they were also using their skills to contribute to the war effort. In one instance, a group of Italian soldiers disguised themselves as civilians and used a football match as a cover to gather information about enemy positions. This act of bravery and cunning helped the Italian army gain a strategic advantage.
Sadly, despite their sacrifices and contributions, these football players turned soldiers often go unrecognized in history books. But their legacy lives on in the courage and determination they showed both on and off the football field. They are a true testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
Today, as we commemorate the 106th anniversary of Italy’s entry into the First World War, let us not forget these forgotten heroes. Let us remember the sacrifice they made and the impact they had, not just on the football world, but on our nation’s history as well. They may have been forgotten by some, but they will forever be remembered as heroes in our hearts.