A deafening silence reigned throughout the city, broken only by the ringing of church bells and the incessant, composed procession toward the parish of Santissimo Salvatore . The church in Selargius was chosen by the parents of Riccardo Piras —the 24-year-old man struck by a scooter on Viale Colombo, in Quartu, and died after days of agony —to bid farewell to their cheerful, determined son with a heart of gold. The same generosity was demonstrated by the family, who after the tragedy decided to donate the boy's organs and save other lives.
A choice that transformed tragedy into hope, even though the pain and emptiness remain. Mother Patrizia and father Pino are there in the front row, hand in hand, along with the boy's sisters—Francesca and Nicoletta —along with the rest of the family. Their gazes fixed on Riccardo's photo placed above the coffin, at the foot of the altar, with tears streaming down their faces. While outside, the sun tries to warm a sad day for everyone.
Among those present were friends, work colleagues in uniform and university colleagues, his Maracalagonis teammates in their blue kits, and also the young players with whom he shared sporting adventures in the past: from Quartu 2000 to Futura Calcio. A passion for football was passed down through the family, especially from his uncle Gigi, a former Rossoblu striker. He never abandoned music and studies. Also present was the Selargius Agesci scout group, of which Riccardo was a member for years, a river of people that the parish in Piazza Don Orione couldn't contain.
At the end of the homily, the group greeted one another in the churchyard. A tearful and painful farewell, with one of his songs playing in the background, and everyone's eyes turned to heaven: "Fly high, Riccardo." Then, the farewell was followed by a long round of applause.