MILAN – It’s Inter Forever’s first social initiative and there are six Charity Stars shirts on the auction block. Francesco Toldo, Beppe Bergomi, Riccardo Ferri, Evaristo Beccalossi, Zé Maria and Felice Centofanti all signed theirs on Monday at Solo Inter in Milan. Next the proceeds will go towards Astutillo Malgioglio’s Era77 foundation, which is based in Piacenza and dedicated to helping children with muscular dystrophy.
Astutillo Malgioglio, the 55-year-old ex-goalkeeper who represented Inter from 1986 to 1991, won the Scudetto in the 1988/89 season and the Italian Super Cup the following year. Coach Giovanni Trapattoni signed Malgioglio as the backup to Walter Zenga and the keeper holds fantastic memories of that Inter side, where he is still remembered today as a loyal team-mate.
After his career as a player ended, Malgioglio threw all his energy into helping others, devoting his time to a situation that was anything but easy. However, it was his fate. Of himself, he stated: "I’ve always been a man of faith. My instinct to go where I’m needed and help others comes from the heart. Playing and winning in the Serie A was already then a sort of secondary activity. This was my destiny."
He speaks in a low voice, and over the years he has kept a low profile but stayed busy, pouring his passion into this cause. Malgioglio recalls how the fans "have always held me dear to them". And now it’s time to lend a hand to both Astutillo and the children he helps.
