The Fabbri Family: Three Generations of Champion Squid | Grandfather Alejandro, Father Sebastián, and Son Lisandro

The prestigious journalist Alejandro Fabbri (69 years old) is a fan of Platense. His son Sebastián (37), who graduated from the Sports Journalists Circle and comments on Relatores, is also a fan. And as it couldn’t be otherwise, Sebastián’s son, Lisandro (15), also has the spirit of a Platense fan. The kid is still in high school, but it seems he has the potential to be a journalist. The connection to Platense goes way back; Alejandro’s great-grandfather, who was born in Rimini, Italy, settled in Saavedra upon arriving in Buenos Aires, and that’s where it all began. While the celebrations for the title continue, we gathered representatives from the three generations and asked them the same questions. Here are their delightful and emotional responses.

– What does it mean to be a fan of Platense?

– Alejandro: Being a fan of Platense means being a fan of a club with deep popular roots and a rich history that, for various reasons, had never been a champion. Since ’67, several teams have become champions; Estudiantes, Vélez, Huracán, Lanús, Banfield, Quilmes, Ferro, Argentinos, and we were still waiting. Being a fan of Platense also means maintaining a historical line. My allegiance is familial — it comes from my dad, my grandfather, and my great-grandfather Otto, who was born in Rimini. My grandfather built his little house in Iberá and Ciudad de la Paz. My dad was born four blocks away at Juana Azurduy and Cuba. I have a document showing that in 1934 there were four Fabbri as members of Platense.

Sebastián: It’s a pride, a joy, a feeling, a passion. As a fan of a small club, you have to fight, struggle, and never give up. And the joys are celebrated twice as much when they happen, which isn’t very often.

Lisandro: Being a fan of Platense is something very beautiful. I feel very connected to these colors, very proud to be a Platense supporter.

– How many times have you cried for Platense?

– Alejandro: I must have shed a tear of emotion, surely when we were promoted or now, but I don’t recognize myself as crying. The other day I hugged Norberto Krause a lot, a lifelong friend I hadn’t seen in a while. His father and my dad weren’t journalists but they had a radio show called “Habla Platense.” That hug is priceless.

Sebastián: When I was a kid, I cried when we were relegated in ’99, and also when we went down in April 2002, in a tie against Racing de Córdoba. I cried tears of emotion and joy for the promotion to the First Division in 2021, during the pandemic, and this last joy was total, shared with family and friends.

Lisandro: I’m not the crying type. I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but it’s just not me. However, I was very emotional in Santiago del Estero when Mainero scored and again when the match ended.

– What does the championship mean?

– Alejandro: Of course, this title is very important, very moving, but I felt a very intense sensation when we got promoted. It seemed incredible that we weren’t in the First Division, and the promotion was a huge relief. The title, on the other hand, closes a big gap, as the 21 teams with the best historical scores in Argentine football had won a title, and Platense, which is in 15th place in that ranking among 169 teams, had never won. Well, that’s done; the gap is closed.

Sebastián: The title means everything because it was highly awaited and desired by all generations of Platense fans. It puts you where the club deserved to be, after coming so close in 1916, 1949, 1967, 1980, 1994, and a year and a half ago. Luckily, it has finally happened, and it only means happiness and the certainty that in the end, there is a reward and things come even if it’s hard.

Lisandro: Seeing Platense as champions at 15 is the most beautiful thing that has happened to me in my life. I enjoy it for myself and for all the older people who suffered a lot for years when we were in the B division. I imagine a lot of people, starting with Polaco Goyeneche, must be celebrating in heaven. I was lucky enough to see them ascend, fight for a title, and win this one now.

– Who is the best player from Platense that you’ve seen?

– Alejandro: It’s like asking me about a movie; it’s impossible to choose just one, Carlos Bulla, if you force me to pick only one.

Sebastián: The first that comes to mind is Marcelo Espina; I saw him score goals from free kicks, from midfield, over the goalkeeper, and dribbling opponents. But there have been many at that level.

Lisandro: I go with Nacho Vázquez because he is an excellent defender, very skilled and unpassable, and also a great captain. He proved that when he didn’t even look at Falcón Pérez during the penalty draw in the match against River and earned the respect of all Argentine football.

– Who is your all-time team?

– Alejandro: Cozzani (or Cristante); Cortés, Piris, Guyón, at left-back I’d put the Paraguayan Correa, I’m not sure; Huevo Muggione, I’d put Picco and Herrera who made a sensational duo in this championship; on the left, Miranda, number 9 Bulla, and number 11 Valdez, but I’m excluding countless players, Subiat, Curuchet, Alfaro Moreno, Mono Petti, Espina, Daniel Vega…

Sebastián; Cristante; I’d need to find a 4 but I put Morgantini as full-back, Vázquez as 2, Susso as 6, and Marcich as 3; in the midfield Chacho Coudet, Cascini, Espina, Taborda, and up front Alfaro Moreno and Scotto. Plus, let’s put Mainero as the first substitute for Coudet.

Lisandro: Cozzani, Morgantini, Vázquez, Lomónaco, Marcich (he named all these quickly) … Mainero, Picco, Herrera, and in the midfield also Taborda and as a playmaker, Palavecino (after much hesitation). Up front, number 9 Mateo Pellegrino who scored many goals: 4-4-1-1.

– What do you want to say to your dad who made you a Platense fan?

– Alejandro: I only have words of gratitude. My dad and I went to all the stadiums, whether in the first division or in the lower divisions. We traveled in his old car, sometimes by bus. It was a different country, without violence, and we had a lot of fun together. Unforgettable moments. I also thank my grandfather and great-grandfather.

Sebastián: To my dad, I want to say that I love him, that I love sharing this passion, and I am very happy. I want to thank him, and this love for Platense will never end.

Lisandro: Thank you, I say. And that this is the best inheritance.