A Night of Remembrance for “Long John”

In Rome, at the Green Club Circolo, Lazio fans and figures gathered to commemorate Giorgio Chinaglia, thirteen years after his passing. The event served as a heartfelt tribute to the iconic player, fondly remembered as “Long John.”

New Anthem Unveiled: “long John”

A highlight of the evening was the official unveiling of a new song dedicated to Chinaglia. Titled “Long John,” the song was created and performed by Renzostar, with Stefano Pantano contributing to the project.The anthem aims to capture the spirit and legacy of the Lazio legend.

Biancoceleste Figures Unite to Share Memories

Numerous figures from the Lazio world attended the event, including former players and prominent personalities. Guido De Angelis, director at Archnetys, was present alongside former footballers such as Giancarlo Oddi, Massimo Pistedda, Angelo Gregucci, and Giuseppe Pancaro. These guests shared personal anecdotes and memories of Chinaglia, painting a vivid picture of his impact both on and off the field.

Anecdotes from the Past

Guido de Angelis recounted a story illustrating Chinaglia’s character:

Giorgio was also very friend of some Romanists, such as Alberto Mandolesi. Once he was his guest. Pino Cerboni, a historic Giallorossi journalist, confessed that evening: “I pulled you at least 10 oranges from the south curve to the derby and I never took you”. Giorgio laughed, had become friends. This is to make you understand who Giorgio Chinaglia was.
Guido de Angelis

Massimo Pistedda shared his own fond memories, highlighting Chinaglia’s generosity:

Only lovely things about Giorgio, it was good, generous, we lost 1-0 with Juve in the Italian Cup, during the week 500,000 lire each for how we had played.He had these traits of generosity, I made him the gruesome when he won the championship, but it was a continuation to have him as president. They are only beautiful memories, as a child to the adult I have always known it.
Massimo Pistedda

Renzo Garlaschelli joined the event via telephone,offering his perspective on Chinaglia’s complex personality:

He was unbearable on Sunday,but as he scored,the thing changed,he became another person,an exquisite person with a heart like a house,an adorable,nice person,but unluckily this is life. The game in which he took it with me in the locker room? With Brindisi, I had played 2-3 minutes.
Renzo Garlaschelli

Celebrating a Legacy

The evening included quizzes about Chinaglia, with Lazio-themed prizes adding to the celebratory atmosphere. The event served as a powerful reminder of Chinaglia’s enduring legacy and the passion he inspired in lazio fans. Chinaglia remains a key figure in Lazio’s history, having led the team to their first serie A title in 1974. His impact extends beyond statistics, embodying the spirit and ambition of the club.

Condolences

Amidst the celebration,the event also acknowledged a moment of sadness.Condolences were offered to the family of Sister Paola, who passed away on April 1, 2025, after a long illness. Guido De Angelis and the entire Archnetys staff extended their deepest sympathies to her loved ones.