Chiellini and ‘Kiricocho’, the ‘magic’ word to make the penalty miss

Did Giorgio Chiellini use the ‘Kiricocho curse’ before the decisive penalty in the Euro 2020 final? Did he ‘help’ Bukayo Saka miss the spot? In the great sea of ​​anecdotes, tales, gleanings that surround Italy-England, here is the lip of the blue captain. A video published by Uefa on Twitter shows some Azzurri during the execution of the decisive penalty. While Saka is about to kick (and make a mistake), close-up on Chiellini: the blue captain seems to pronounce the word Kiricocho. But why would that be a noteworthy episode? We go back to about 40 years ago and to the ‘mythological’ figure of Kirococho, an Argentine fan considered lucky by Estudiantes, the team coached by Carlos Bilardo. The coach, attentive as much to tactics as to superstition, the presence of the fan at training coincided with an injury. So, it is said, the supporter was paid to go and observe the rival teams. Result: Estudiantes champion with only one defeat, collected against Boca Juniors who – apparently – did not receive the unwelcome visit.But in the end, Chiellini said or not ‘Kiricocho’? It seems so, judging from a video that the defender sent to the journalist Christian Martin: “Hi Christian, I confirm everything … Kiricocho!” Dijo “KIRICOCHO” @chiellini antes of the last penal de Inglaterra? ? La respuesta del capitán de Italia vía @askomartin pic.twitter.com/ZtJu7dTAkq— El Gráfico (@elgraficoweb) July 13, 2021