This archive report was first published on 26 August 2019.
On Sunday, August 25, 2019, a remarkable scene unfolded at the Serie A opener in Verona as coach Sinisa Mihajlovic, battling acute leukemia, joined his players on the pitch.
Despite undergoing treatment for the past month, Mihajlovic, 50, had continued working as Bologna coach, a testament to his exceptional courage.
His presence at the game was a surprise, as he had initially been expected to follow the match from a special box in the stands.
When all the players took the pitch, Mihajlovic came in, without the mask covering his mouth he had been wearing in the afternoon when he left the hospital.
His face was gaunt and thinner following weeks of treatment, but his determination and spirit remained unbroken.
"We were shocked, we didn't expect it, even though he had promised us," midfielder Andrea Poli told sports broadcaster DAZN.
"We were impressed, but we are happy that he is here with us, he shows an exceptional courage. We were excited when he arrived at the hotel."
"Warriors recognise each other from afar. My love," his wife Arianna Rapaccioni wrote on social media. Despite the emotional moment, the match ended 1-1, with Bologna settling for a point despite promoted Verona finishing the match with ten men.
