Young athletes pursuing their big dream in sports often have to leave home, family, and friends early on, as their path takes them through new cities and new teams.
Lorenzo did so at 16.
A journey not always easy, but along the way he found Gianluca's family, who became almost a second home to him.
At the time Gianluca is 12 years old - all the time with a ball in his hands and a hoop in his sights, following in his father's footsteps.
The two boys grow up, parted in their sports journeys by the youth divisions, but always together in their free time.
Then the years go by, and both make it to the big leagues.
First team.
Together.
Same role.
On the court, they alternate, always with a smile. Gianluca is the captain, Lorenzo at his side.
Successes follow, promotions to higher divisions, and those unforgettable runs that, as children, felt like a distant dream; all the way to reaching the top tier and carving out a place for themselves among the greats.
Then, professional careers take Gianluca elsewhere (that's sports, too), while Lorenzo stays and receives the captain's armband: a symbol that connects them just as much as their friendship.
Today, they pursue their careers and their great passion for sport geographically separated, but whenever their basketball commitments allow, every moment is precious for them to get together and joke around, just like they did on the playground as kids.
Walking around the city with them, it’s really lovely to see how people greet them with genuine affection, as if time had stood still.
Two men, who were once boys, who were once children.
Who went through the years and their careers knowing that one thing would never change: always being there for each other.
What a wonderful thing sports is.
