Empoli coach D’Aversa reveals facial paralysis

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

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.”