With a hug, Totti and Spalletti put six years of rivalry behind them

Francesco Totti and Luciano Spalletti had a friendly partnership during the Tuscan coach’s first spell at Roma (2005–2009), but the same was not the case during Spalletti’s second spell at the club in 2016–17, as the captain’s playing time was reduced to one big gap between them and a feud that lasted for years.

Six years in a row to be exact, but in recent months the Italian national team coach has extended the hand of friendship to put the famous rivalry aside and the Giallorossi’s legendary leader was happy to answer his request.

This was evident on Thursday evening (November 16th) when the two men met as part of their visit to a children’s hospital in the Italian capital (Bambino Gesù) and finally buried the hatchet with a warm hug.

“As someone said, things should be done for others and not for us, and since many people were happy with this reconciliation, it was nice to do it in front of the children.

We never really fought, we always respected each other. At a time like this, when adults often argue, this hug in front of the children can be a message for a better future. Spalletti said on camera.

“The hug is secondary, it was a special day for the boys. We didn’t say anything specific to each other, a look, a hug was enough. I’ve always said our relationship goes beyond football.” Totti commented characteristically.