The former midfielder: “One bad pass, and Mancio went berserk. I talked back to him, and he went to Mantovani. Simoni tried to bring me to Napoli; it was a mistake not to follow him. People still stop me about the penalty spot in Juve-Toro…”

For many, Riccardo Maspero is “the guy with the hole.” A clever trick that became a cult classic, gifting Torino an unexpected 3-3 draw in the 2001 derby. “I’d even scored; losing would have been a double blow. Luckily, it all worked out.” He speaks candidly, delving into memories of both pain and great victories. “When we won at Wembley with Cremonese,” but also arguments and a few misunderstandings. “I had a falling out with Mancio, and in hindsight, I can say I was wrong not to trust Simoni. He wanted to take me to Naples; I chose to stay in Cremona to keep my word.”

Maspero, let’s start from the beginning. You were born into a family of athletes: did soccer enter your life from the cradle?

“Yes, that’s actually true. My dad was a soccer player; he played in Piacenza’s youth teams, but he didn’t make it. Let’s say I also fulfilled his dream. I remember his tears on the day of my Serie A debut.”

Your sons play too.

“One at Pro Sesto, the other at Alessandria. I appreciate their tenacity in pursuing a goal. They remind me of myself as a boy.”

Was there a moment when you realized you’d made it?

“In Cremona. Because what matters isn’t making your debut, but managing to stay at the top level. We at Cremo had a close-knit group. We were a family. Favalli was an incredible sporting director; he bought well and sold even better, always keeping our team spirit intact. Even the newcomers fit in right away. Believe me, it was something magical.”

But you left.

“I wanted to take a step up. Eriksson called me and said, ‘I want you on the team.’ It was impossible to say no.”

At Sampdoria, we didn’t see the Maspero from Cremona. What went wrong?

“I was a bit hampered by the formation. Then the following year they signed Seedorf and Karembeu, and I chose to leave. I do have some memorable moments, though, like the Cup Winners’ Cup semifinal against Arsenal. It was an incredible run. I formed a lot of bonds that year too, one in particular…”

With whom?

“Ruud Gullit. We spent a lot of time together. He was already a star; I was a rookie in my first year with a big team. To go out together, he had to dress up—it was a spectacle every time. I have so many memories of a fantastic guy: at dinner, he’d have you in stitches; in the locker room, he’d put on music. Then he’d step onto the field and transform.”

It was said that you left because of a fight with Mancini.

“Let’s just say that Roberto had a lot of power at Sampdoria. Eriksson listened to him a lot, and my role as a second striker was a bit of a hindrance. We never fought, except once. If I may…”

Tell us about it.

“Even in training, he was someone who demanded a lot; once I passed him the ball badly and he went crazy. I talked back to him and we argued. I have nothing against him, but I know he pushed for my transfer. And to think that they told me that just a year earlier, he was the one who had suggested to Mantovani and the coach that they sign me…” .

You’ve had many great coaches in your career. Pick one.

“I’d say Simoni, but I don’t want to do anyone an injustice. Gigi was like a second father to me. I made a mistake not following him to Naples: it was 1996, and he was pushing really hard to get me. He had me stay at his house for two days to try to convince me. I, however, chose to stay in Cremona because the season was underway and I had given my word to the president and to Favalli that I would help the team in its time of need. I didn’t want to abandon ship in a storm; that’s not who I am. My wife still holds it against me—she would have liked that.”

You ended up in Turin, then.

“For just a handful of games. Because Simoni was fired almost immediately. Even that, though, was a fantastic spell. Everyone remembers me for the ‘dive’ in the derby, but those were three very good years.”

Right, the dive. Do people still stop you on the street?

“Yes, it happens that I’m remembered only for that. Actually, I’m very happy with the career I’ve had. That one in the derby was a bit of a trick: we were tied 3-3, I’d just scored the equalizer, and they awarded a penalty against us. So I went over there and ‘dug.’ Salas didn’t notice and kicked into the hole. The ball went sky-high. The Juve fans still hold that against me.”

You were actually close to joining Juventus years earlier…

“That’s true, Favalli was in frequent contact with the Bianconeri and told me there was a possibility. I, however, decided to go to Sampdoria.”

The best moment?

“ I have many, but I’ll choose the victory at Wembley with Cremonese: we beat Derby County to win the Anglo-Italian Cup. Scoring in a stadium like that is something you carry with you forever.”

Any regrets?

“I achieved less than I deserved. I was penalized a bit by the formations and certain decisions.”

Before retiring, eight years in the amateur leagues.

“I chose to stay in Bergamo with my wife, who has a business in this area. I was reborn. After Florence, I’d lost my passion for playing; those years gave it back to me.”

Today he’s a coach.

“Right now I’m out of work, but I’m waiting for an opportunity. For years I didn’t follow soccer; I went to work at the company and I have to say I enjoyed it. Now we’ll see. Maybe I’m paying the price for not being very media-friendly. It was the same way when I was a player. I never liked being in the spotlight.”