Caputo, the voice of optimism in Italian football

"Everything will be fine. Stay at home." Sassuolo striker Francesco Caputo understood before everyone else.

The Italian's reassuring message came hours before the government halted all sport in the country amid the devastating coronavirus pandemic.

Italy was already worried, the disease had done a lot of damage, and movement restrictions were about to be implemented.

It was March 9 and Europe was still playing football despite the escalating health crisis.

That night in Emilia-Romagna, a region hard hit by the virus, home side Sassuolo beat Brescia 3-0 in what would be the last match in an Italian championship since suspended.

After the first of his two goals, Caputo turned to a camera and held up a hand-written message on a sheet of paper. "Andra tutto bene. Restate a casa": everything will be fine, stay home.

A few hours later, the head of the Italian government Giuseppe Conte used the same words - "Stay at home" - to explain to Italians the new draconian provisions put in place to fight against the pandemic.

Since then, the concrete and reassuring message of "Ciccio" Caputo has made its way even beyond the world of football.

It is found in all information and awareness-raising campaigns and even on banners hanging from windows all over the country.

"It was my idea. I hadn't told anyone. I wanted to get this message across. It is a difficult period for the whole nation," said the 32-year-old.

"We want to protect our families. For example, at home I have my wife with three children, not letting them leave home is very difficult but we are very attentive to the rules."
- 'Maturity of a man' - =======================
"Then he wanted me in Siena (2010-11). He taught me the importance of sacrifice. With him, when you return home, you're totally exhausted."