Stars from sport and showbiz back Napoli Legends' Pozzuoli march

The solidarity march set for Monday 26 October, organised by Napoli Legends in support of the people of Pozzuoli, stopped being a simple local demonstration almost as soon as it was announced. The appeal, posted on social media, was picked up and shared by a string of names from entertainment and Olympic sport, turning it into a story that goes well beyond football fandom.

But it's the long chain of shares that shows the true scale of support. The singer Dolcenera reposted the message, along with actors Salvatore Esposito, Marco D'Amore, Giuseppe Zeno and Ivan Castiglione. They were joined by Brazilian top model Cristina Mendoca, speed skater Francesca Lollobrigida — two gold medals at the Milan-Cortina Olympics — and rower Valentina Rodini, a gold medallist at Tokyo. Also among the familiar faces was Gianluigi Lembo, owner of the Capri tavern Anema e Core.

What stands out is that it isn't only football names getting involved: a speed skater and an Olympic rower don't need Italy's blue shirt to feel part of a cause rooted in Pozzuoli. It's a sign of a solidarity network the city has managed to activate well beyond the sport that represents it most. Monday 26 October will show how many people that network has actually brought out.