The Blu Arena, the football field of the middle school in via Ales, is now at the center of controversy after the start of extraordinary maintenance and seismic improvement works financed by the PNRR . These interventions, which amount to over 3 million euros, aim at the structural consolidation and energy efficiency of the building, but risk compromising the "Legends" mural, dedicated to Gigi Riva and created in 2022 by the artist Manu Invisible.
Citizens' concern is palpable, with many wondering why work on the school wasn't planned sooner. While the Municipality prefers not to make statements, the Ermanno Cortis institute instead guarantees that the mural will not be touched, as confirmed by the representative Maurizia Leo.
Despite these reassurances, a street art wall that envelops the school's outdoor space is surrounded by scaffolding and the photo of the construction site to create the thermal coat has sparked many reactions on social media.
The artist Manu Invisible expressed his doubts , underlining that the work does not only represent football or the myth of Gigi Riva, but also the message of passion and collective commitment of the students involved. Despite the need for the work, the artist hopes that a solution can be found that preserves the meaning and value of his artwork.
«I am fond – he says – of that place and that work. It's not just about football, it's not just about unity between people, sportsmanship and it's not even a work that wants to remember the myth of Gigi Riva. Deleting the word Passion is like eclipsing the proactive message to the new generations. In fact, that work is the fruit of not only my commitment, but also that of all the students who participated in its creation. A collective commitment of all the figures who participated in the initiative at school."
