Umberto Motto, a local boy from Turin and captain of Torino's youth team, had always dreamed of playing for his boyhood club. However, his dream turned into a nightmare on May 4, 1949, when almost the entire Torino first team perished in a plane crash on the Superga hill overlooking Turin.
The tragic event, caused by adverse weather conditions, claimed the lives of 31 people, including 18 players, coaches, journalists, and flight crew. This disaster devastated the city of Turin and wiped out one of the greatest teams in Italian football history, known as 'Grande Torino'.
The emotional and sporting impact was profound, with the club struggling to recover financially and competitively. Despite efforts to rebuild the team, Torino's success never reached the heights of the original 'Grande Torino' era.
In a poignant gesture, the league awarded Torino the title posthumously, and the youth team, led by Motto, played the remaining matches to honor their fallen mentors. The team's victories were a tribute to the players who had perished.
Even 75 years later, the memory of the Superga air disaster lives on in the hearts of Torino fans. The club continues to pay tribute to the heroes with annual services and ceremonies, ensuring that the legacy of 'Grande Torino' remains alive.
On the 75th anniversary of the tragedy, Torino FC will hold a commemorative service at the Monumental Cemetery, the Superga Basilica, and the Torino FC memorial, keeping the memory of the fallen players alive in the hearts of the fans and the city of Turin.
