Totti's surgeon recalls fears of needles and doubts over 2006 World Cup recovery
Club News·24 June 2026·22h ago

Totti's surgeon recalls fears of needles and doubts over 2006 World Cup recovery

Source: Forza Roma

Pier Paolo Mariani, the historic surgeon who operated on Francesco Totti and many Roma players, has shared memories of treating the Roma legend in an interview with Corriere della Sera. Mariani performed two operations on Totti — one on his ankle and another on his cruciate ligament. He revealed that Totti feared syringes and operating rooms, and was reassured during procedures by his fitness trainer Vito Scala. After Totti's February 2006 injury, the player initially believed his World Cup dream was over, telling Mariani: "Professor, listen, it's better if I don't fool myself." However, national team coach Marcello Lippi visited Totti and promised: "I'll wait for you at all costs," which restored his hope.

Mariani provided reassurance with concrete calculations, telling Totti: "You will play," and demonstrating his recovery timeline. Totti trained intensively — sometimes eight to ten hours daily — and not only recovered in time for the 2006 World Cup but became world champion with Italy. Mariani recalled watching Totti's early tournament matches with anxiety before relaxing as the player's form improved. He emphasized his own modest role, stating: "I was happy for him, not for me. I hadn't done anything particularly special." Totti's mother, Fiorella, later wrote a letter of gratitude to Mariani, expressing her immense gratitude for enabling her son to achieve his World Cup dream "against all odds."

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Testo Originale / Source Text

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Lo storico chirurgo e tanti anedotti sull'ex capitano romanista: "Prima di operarlo ero un po' emozionato" Redazione 24 giugno - 10:09 Totti e la gara di palleggi con un bambino: lo show a Malta in un ristorante Pier Paolo Mariani, chirurgo storico di Francesco Totti e di tanti giocatori della Roma, ha rilasciato una lunga intervista al Corriere della Sera, parlando proprio del suo rapporto con l'ex capitano: "L'ho operato due volte. Alla caviglia e al crociato". Lei è romanista. Era agitato all'idea di avere sotto i ferri il capitano? "Durante l'intervento non ci si preoccupa di nulla. Prima e dopo, un po' di emozione c'era". E lui? "Aveva paura della siringa. E della sala operatoria. Lo tranquillizzò il suo preparatore Vito Scala". Dopo l'infortunio del febbraio 2oo6, ci credeva di potere andare ai Mondiali? "No, dentro di sé ci aveva rinunciato. "Professò, senti, meglio che non mi illudo". Non si era mai fatto male, nemmeno uno strappetto. Poi venne a trovarlo il ct Marcello Lippi che gli promise: "Ti aspetto ad ogni costo". E a quel punto Francesco ritrovò la speranza. SI allenò anche otto, dieci ore al giorno" E la sua prognosi qual era? "Lo rassicurai: "Giocherai". E glielo dimostrai calendario alla mano, con i conti della serva". E infatti non solo ha giocato ma è diventato campione del mondo con l'Italia. "Lo guardavo correre in campo le prime partite e stavo in ansia. Poi mi sono rilassato. Quando hanno vinto sono stato contento per lui, non per me, io non avevo fatto nulla di particolare". Mica vero. Nella sala della medicheria di Villa Stuart, tra vignette, dediche e messaggi dei suoi pazienti, celebri e no, c'è anche la lettera di Fiorella Totti: "Grazie dal profondo del cuore, il cuore di una mamma immensamente grata per aver potuto vedere il proprio figlio felice per essere diventato, contro ogni previsione, campione del mondo". © RIPRODUZIONE RISERVATA Commenta Continua la lettura Calciomercato AS Roma Mercato Roma, l'Arabia in soccorso: doppia pista per Soulé. E il Dortmund osserva News AS Roma Concerto Pezzali, l'omaggio a Totti e Di Bartolomei per la canzone "Gli Anni" Calciomercato AS Roma Mercato Roma, dalla Spagna: "Barcellona e Real Madrid vogliono El Aynaoui" Radio Pensieri 'RADIO PENSIERI', PES: "L'affare Greenwood è posticipato a luglio" News Calcio Serie A, si parte il 22 agosto: si giocherà dalle 18,30 in poi Commenti Invia Commento Tutti Leggi altri commenti

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