Parma, 30 March 2026 – The Ernesto Ceresini Museum hosted the presentation of the book 'Rapirò Gianfranco Zola: La vera storia di Fabrizio Maiello, il Maradona delle carceri', written by Marco Cattaneo. The event brought together sport and literature, giving voice to an intense story in which football, real-life events and personal redemption intertwine.
The book recounts the life of Fabrizio Maiello, once a promising football talent whose life was marked by mistakes and eventual rebirth, in a journey that also intersects with the story of Gianfranco Zola.
The discussion was led by Cattaneo himself, who guided an authentic and engaging conversation between Fabrizio Maiello and Gianfranco Zola in front of an audience that included the CEO of Parma Calcio Federico Cherubini, Football Director Alessandro Pettinà, coaches Carlos Cuesta and Giovanni Valenti, as well as several Gialloblù legends including Luigi Apolloni, Marco Osio, Fausto Pizzi and Marco Giandebiaggi.
During the evening, reflections emerged that went far beyond football, touching on universal themes such as the value of second chances, the power of storytelling and the courage to change and forgive.
Cattaneo, author of the book and moderator of the event, emphasised the importance of narrative: “This was a beautiful story to tell, because I know it is one that will touch people. Football is an extraordinary vehicle: it can open countless doors and inspire young people. Being able to harness its power to share stories is a responsibility for those of us who work in communication. We must be capable of conveying messages that can inspire young people who have made mistakes, because they need to know that it is always possible to start again.”
Maiello, the protagonist of the book, also spoke with emotion and honesty: “Telling this story in this stadium, for me, feels like playing in a Champions League final. I could never have imagined it, considering the point I had reached in my life: I had lost myself. Being able to be here, with the book written by Marco, is a wonderful gift from Parma. Seeing Gianfranco Zola today is something special, a source of great pride. His kindness helped open my eyes and made me realise I was on the wrong path. He showed the generosity of a true champion. I still apologise to everyone for what I did: even thinking about it is something deplorable. But if I am here today it is because I have changed, thanks to football, but above all thanks to love, friendship and this story that I can now tell.”
Zola also offered a personal reflection on the educational value of sport and the importance of forgiveness: “My father always told me that all of us, for better or worse, can influence others through our actions. When I became a professional, I always remembered those words. As athletes, we can convey positive messages and I have always felt that responsibility. Fabrizio? His story shows that the line between good and bad is very thin, and that even when you find yourself on the wrong side there is always the chance to make amends and learn from it. Football also teaches you to forgive: I have missed goals that cost my teammates and me great joy. But if you can forgive yourself, understanding your mistakes, you can take lessons that stay with you forever. And that is what Fabrizio is doing today, creating something truly meaningful.”
It was a profound and well-attended evening that highlighted how the Stadio Ennio Tardini can also serve as a place for dialogue and reflection, not just sport. The opening of the Ernesto Ceresini Museum and the Serafino Lounge for a moment of conviviality accompanied by culinary excellence reflects this very aim: to make the stadium a place capable of welcoming stories, encouraging discussion and leaving meaningful inspiration.
