Sebastiano Nela

2.1. Birth and early years

Sebastiano Nela was born on March 13, 1961, in Rapallo, a town located in the Liguria region of Italy. His early childhood provided the foundation for his eventual career in football.

2.2. Youth career and development

During his youth, Nela often played as a central midfielder, a position that contributed to his understanding of playmaking and ball distribution. This early experience helped him develop his exceptional left-footed crossing ability and overall offensive awareness, which later became a hallmark of his playing style as a defender. As he progressed, he honed his defensive skills, showcasing his versatility and toughness, eventually transitioning to the back-line where he established himself as a professional player.

3.1. Genoa

Sebastiano Nela commenced his professional football career with Genoa. He established himself as a surly and hard-working left-footed defender during his time with the club. He made a total of 70 appearances for Genoa across various competitions before making a significant move to a top-tier team.

3.2. Roma

In 1981, Nela was acquired by Serie A side Roma. He made his debut for the club on September 13, 1981, in a match against Avellino, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Nela spent the majority of his professional career with Roma, playing a crucial role in one of the club's most successful periods. He was an integral part of the Roma team that clinched the Scudetto title in the 1982-83 season, making 28 appearances during that triumphant campaign. Additionally, he contributed to Roma's success in the Coppa Italia, winning the competition three times in the 1983-84, 1985-86, and 1990-91 seasons.

A significant setback in Nela's career occurred in 1987 when he sustained a severe knee injury in an accident. This injury forced him to miss almost a full year of football, highlighting the physical demands and risks associated with his playing style. His enduring impact at the club was later recognized when he was inducted into the A.S. Roma Hall of Fame in 2013.

3.3. Napoli and retirement

After a successful and impactful tenure at Roma, Nela departed the club in 1992 to join Napoli. He spent two seasons with Napoli, concluding his professional playing career after the 1993-94 season. Over the course of his entire career, Nela amassed a total of 385 appearances in Serie A. Of these, 315 appearances were made during his combined spells with Roma and Napoli.

4.1. National team debut and participation

Nela's impressive form for Roma earned him a place in the Italy national team. He made his international debut against West Germany on May 22, 1984. Between 1984 and 1987, Nela made a total of five appearances for the Italy national team.

He was selected as a member of the Italian squad for the 1986 FIFA World Cup, although he did not feature in any matches during the tournament, where Italy was eliminated in the round of 16. Prior to the World Cup, Nela also participated in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He made three appearances in that tournament, helping Italy achieve a fourth-place finish.

5.1. Defensive versatility and offensive contribution

Nela was primarily a defender, often deployed as an offensive-minded full-back. His versatility was a key attribute, allowing him to play effectively anywhere across the back-line, whether on the left or right flank, or even in the center. This adaptability stemmed from his early career experience, where he frequently played as a central midfielder.

His playing style was defined by several physical and technical characteristics:

• Left-footed crossing ability: Nela possessed an excellent left foot, which he utilized to deliver precise crosses into the opposition box, contributing significantly to his team's attacking plays.
• Speed and stamina: His notable speed enabled him to make rapid attacking runs down the wing, while his stamina allowed him to maintain these runs and effectively track back to defend.
• Tenacity and physical strength: Nela was known for his tenacious approach to defending and his physical strength, making him a hard-tackling player capable of challenging opponents effectively.
• Work-rate: His high work-rate ensured that he was constantly involved in both offensive and defensive phases of play, contributing to the team's overall efficiency.

These attributes collectively made Nela a highly effective and dynamic player, capable of both stifling opposition attacks and initiating offensive movements from deep within his own half.

6.1. Club

6.2. International

7.1. Club honours

Roma

• Serie A: 1982-83
• Coppa Italia: 1983-84, 1985-86, 1990-91

7.2. Individual honours

• Serie A Team of The Year: 1983
• A.S. Roma Hall of Fame: 2013

8.1. Commentary and media work

Following his retirement from professional football, Nela embarked on a career as a football commentator. He has worked for various national and satellite television channels, providing analysis and insights into matches. He currently works as a commentator for Mediaset Premium, an Italian pay television service.

9.1. Cultural references

Nela's significant impact and his battle with a severe knee injury in 1987 garnered attention and sympathy. The renowned Italian singer Antonello Venditti dedicated his song "Correndo correndo" (meaning "Running, running") to Nela. The song appears on Venditti's 1988 album, In questo mondo di ladri (meaning "In This World of Thieves"), serving as a notable cultural tribute to the footballer.