Francesco Zani

Francesco “Franco” Zani, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, left us on April 5, 2026, at the age of 87. Born on New Year’s Day in 1939, he grew up with a mischievous grin and a passion for the game that would shape his whole life. I still remember the first time I saw him in his Fiamme Oro Rugby kit, the way his eyes lit up when he talked about a scrum that seemed to last forever. He’d lean over the kitchen table after dinner, animatedly re‑telling the story of the 1964‑65 French Rugby Union Championship win with SU Agen, his voice rising and falling like a rugby chant. Those evenings, punctuated by his booming laugh and the clink of his favorite espresso cup, were the soundtrack of my childhood. Franco’s love wasn’t confined to the pitch. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Maria, whose patience matched his boundless energy. Together they built a home where the scent of his famous ragù mingled with the echo of his stories—tales of traveling across the Alps for matches, of the camaraderie in the locker room, and of the simple joy of pulling a child onto his shoulders and pretending to be a scrum‑half charging the try line. His children, Luca and Alessia, inherited his fierce loyalty and his knack for making everyone feel welcome; they still swear they can hear his hearty “Forza!” echoing through the house whenever they gather for Sunday lunch. Beyond rugby, Franco found delight in gardening, in tending to his rosemary and tomatoes, and in the quiet moments watching the sunset over the Arno while sipping a glass of Chianti. He never missed a chance to share a joke, to offer a helping hand, or to lift a friend’s spirits with a spontaneous game of “scimmia” in the park. His teammates called him “the rock”—steady, reliable, and always ready to catch you when you fell. Even after his international caps faded, he remained a mentor to younger players, teaching them that true strength lies in humility and heart. Francesco Zani’s legacy isn’t measured in trophies or caps, but in the countless lives he touched with his warmth, his fierce devotion to family, and his infectious love for life. He taught us that every day is