Empoli coach D’Aversa reveals facial paralysis | OneFootball

Empoli coach Roberto D’Aversa reveals the sudden health scare that left him with a facial paralysis. ‘I woke up and my mouth wasn’t responding.’

The 49-year-old took charge of Empoli in July and has so far this season overseen five victories, six draws and three defeats between Serie A and the Coppa Italia.

Speaking to the podcast Cronache di Spogliatoio, D’Aversa revealed the incident that shook him to the core.

“I woke up and my mouth wasn’t responding. I was brushing my teeth at the time, then realised I hadn’t really tasted much of my food for the past two days.

“I went to hospital. It is a temporary thing that is improving day by day.”

D’Aversa kept working throughout health scare

epa11196529 Lecce head coach Roberto D’Aversa looks on prior the Serie A soccer match between Frosinone Calcio and US Lecce in Frosinone, Italy, 03 March 2024. EPA-EFE/FEDERICO PROIETTI

Despite the scare, D’Aversa continued to work and give interviews rather than taking time out.

“I didn’t want to act like I was hiding away. I had no problem being in front of the television cameras. It was also to reassure those who love me, but above all I wanted to put myself in the shoes of those who experience this permanently, who were perhaps born with physical issues or are even bullied because of them.

“All I am doing is taking medication for my facial nerves and know it will pass. I look at my mother too and have to conclude what I’m dealing with really isn’t a problem at all.”