Father Massimiliano Gabbricci, born in 1971, is a man who has combined his passion for football with his spiritual vocation. His father's family is from Siena and his mother's from Castelfiorentino, and he cultivated his passion for football and basketball before answering the Lord's call.
For sixteen years, from 2006 to 2022, he was the chaplain of Fiorentina, the team he supports. No one else has had the honor of standing alongside the Viola for so long. But that's not all: since 2012, he has also been the chaplain of the Italian national team, a dual commitment requiring great dedication and passion.
Father Massimiliano is always there for footballers, famous and less well-known alike. The boys at the Costone youth center in Siena are amazed by his friendship with champions such as Chiesa, Chiellini and head coach Mancini. But how does he know these “millionaires” so well? Father Gabbricci smiles and explains that, despite the superficial labels, he has found great human richness in these young athletes. Every phone call or video call with his footballer friends is a special moment.
His commitment goes beyond football. Father Massimiliano is also a pillar of Costone, the Pio II youth center in Siena. He watched world champions such as Paolo Rossi and Andrea Barzagli grow up on the Cattolica Virtus youth team in Florence. He followed Alessio Cragno, one of Italy's best goalkeepers, all the way to the national team.
But football is not only about victories on the field. The greatest pain for Father Massimiliano was the sudden loss of Fiorentina captain Davide Astori. On March 4, 2018, when he was informed of the tragic news, it was a moment of great emotion. Astori was a charismatic young man, a silent leader, and his death left an unfillable void.
Gianluca Vialli is another figure who left a deep mark. Father Massimiliano remembers Vialli's birthday celebration and the moving speech before the Wembley final. Vialli urged the team to “go beyond,” and he himself faced illness with serenity and unwavering faith.
Finally, Roberto Mancini, the current national team coach. Father Massimiliano often speaks with him by phone, even now that he is in Saudi Arabia. Mancini is a special person, who grew up at the oratory in Jesi, and his sincere devotion makes him a point of reference for the players.
Three years after winning the European Championship, much has changed in the national team. Now another true Tuscan is at the helm: Luciano Spalletti. He too possesses great spirituality and is building an important group. The goal is to grow and prepare as well as possible for the 2026 World Cup. Father Massimiliano Gabbricci has had extraordinary experiences in the world of football, but perhaps the time has come for a younger priest to take his place and continue this important ministry in sport.
