Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has been named winner of the fifth edition of the "Un Cuore da Leone" award, created by Stelle nello Sport to honour the memory of sports journalist Gian Luigi Corti. He beat Arianna Fontana, Gregorio Paltrinieri, Ambra Sabatini and Nicolò Martinenghi, all prominent figures in Italian sport. The award goes each year to someone who refuses to give in to difficulties and sees every uphill climb as a fresh chance to win.
Forza Roma adds that the result came from a jury vote chaired by Filippo Grassia, and that the jury cited the courage of Gasperini's attacking style, his ability to develop young players, and his work at Genoa, Bergamo and now Roma. Forza Roma also describes Corti as a Stella d'Oro al merito sportivo recipient and as an executive as well as a journalist, a description Roma News does not use. Roma News notes that Gasperini was appointed Roma head coach in 2025 and presents the honour as the latest recognition of his career.
Michele Corti, president of Stelle nello Sport, praised the coach, saying: "Gian Piero Gasperini is not only a coach: he is the architect of a football dream that has become reality." Forza Roma gives the quote slightly differently, as "not just a coach" and "has come true". The award will be presented on Sunday 8 November in Genoa, during Stelle nello Sport's traditional Charity Event supporting the Fondazione Gigi Ghirotti at the Porto Antico. Forza Roma adds that the prize is a work of art created by Ligurian painter Nicola Perucca.
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