# @retro_calcio on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DbdwnS6ERr6
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/69875656-retro-calcio-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/748401575c.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-07-31T17:05:02.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Retro Calcio (@retro_calcio) — https://gondola.cc/retro_calcio

## Caption

Francesco Totti  From Despair to World Cup glory.
AS Roma vs Empoli 19th February 2006 . Captain Francesco Totti suffered a serious leg injury while playing against Empoli. Though Roma equalled the Serie A record of 10 consecutive wins (as of 2006) with a 1-0 defeat of Empoli  but paid a heavy price when their captain Francesco Totti broke his ankle.

Totti was carried off in the 12th minute after going down under a heavy challenge by the Empoli defender Richard Vanigli.

The Italy international fractured his ankle & was out of action for about two months. 
However, he made a triumphant return to the Azzurri to win the World cup.

#retrocalcio 

Totti's Injury (12'): Just 12 minutes into the match, Francesco Totti suffered a severe left fibula fracture and ligament damage following a heavy tackle from Empoli defender Richard Vanigli. Totti was stretchered off and replaced by Vincenzo Montella, putting his participation in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in serious jeopardy (though he famously recovered in time to help Italy win the tournament).

Match Breakdown
Result: AS Roma 1–0 Empoli
Goalscorer: Simone Perrotta (15th minute)
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Attendance: ~43,373

The Incident (12th Minute): During a challenge from behind by Empoli defender Richard Vanigli, Totti's left leg caught on the turf, twisting violently under his body weight.

The Diagnosis: Medical scans revealed a total fracture of the left fibula, severe damage to the capsule-ligament complex of the left ankle, and associated strain to the localized nerves.

Surgical Details: Totti was transported to the Villa Stuart Clinic in Rome, where renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Paolo Mariani performed an urgent operation lasting over two hours. To reconstruct and stabilize the joint, Dr. Mariani affixed a permanent titanium plate and 13 screws into his left leg.

Verified Sources
The Guardian: Totti's broken ankle takes shine off Roma's 10th straight victory
The Guardian: Totti's instant impact worth long haul back
beIN SPORTS: The Gladiator: When Francesco Totti Played the 2006 World Cup With 13 Screws in His Ankle
Associated Press Archives / Alamy: AS Roma's captain Francesco Totti leaves Villa Stuar

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retrocalcio

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