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Sunflowers Flood Milan Court as Basketball Community Plans Saturday Tribute for Alessandro Meszley

The citywide response followed a mother's letter describing repeated vandalism of the small memorial she has kept since her son's 2017 death.

Overview

  • Dozens of bouquets now cover the fence at the Via Dezza playground after coverage of the family's note prompted residents to deliver sunflowers throughout the day.
  • Supporters announced a spontaneous gathering for Saturday, November 29 at 14:30, inviting people to bring a sunflower to honor the 15-year-old who died there in 2017.
  • Sports institutions rallied, with CONI Lombardia's Marco Riva, former players Pierluigi Marzorati and Bruno Cerella, and clubs linked to Olimpia, Urania, Geas, Repower Sanga, Stars Milano and others signaling support; Pippo Ricci is expected to pay tribute.
  • The parents say they have placed more than 200 sunflowers over the years, and recent removals included an insult scrawled on their note reading, “If everyone left a flower for each dead person, Milan would be a dump.”
  • The person responsible remains unidentified, while the family's association The Dab Game advances proposals for a mural, a tournament and possibly naming the court, building on its prior renovation of the San Vittore football field.