Totti's surgeon recalls fears of needles and doubts over 2006 World Cup recovery
Club News·24 June 2026·57d 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

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…

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