LUIGI (GIGI) MERONI

THE BUTTERFLY

This is the story of the extraordinary Italian winger, Luigi ‘‘Gigi’’ Meroni. They nicknamed Gigi the ‘‘Butterfly’’. A footballer of such beauty who captured the hearts of all both on the pitch and off. A fifth Italian Beatle. He loved Bob Dylan. He painted, he played the guitar. All Gigi ever needed was love and a ball at his dancing feet. Tragically, Gigi was taken far too young in what appeared to be a curse on Torino Football club. For Gigi Meroni gave hope to the Granata supporters in the horrific aftermath of the Superga air crash, that wiped out what is considered to be the finest Italian club side of all time. II GRANDE TORINO. Watching Gigi brought back memories of those fantastic players, but more importantly gave them hope for the future. Tragically, that all ended at 9.30.pm, on a busy Turin autostrada. Sunday 15th October 1967. A bitter cold in the air as cars swept along at great speed. Here the Butterfly’s wings were crushed so young in life at just twenty-four years old. But he has never been forgotten in Turin. The love for Gigi today amongst Torino supporters strong as ever.