PABLO MARI is back in training with Monza for the first time since being stabbed in a horror knife attack.
One person was killed and five injured after a knifeman went on a rampage in a Milan shopping centre in October.
Mari, who was saved by Napoli icon Massimo Tarantino, was airlifted to hospital after being stabbed in the back.
And the Arsenal loanee, 29, underwent surgery the following day to repair muscles damaged in the incident.
Mari, who was ruled out for two months, paid a surprise visit to a Monza game earlier this month.
And he has made excellent progress in his recovery by joining in training on Wednesday.
Mari gave Monza pals a boost as he joined in team exercises while also completing individual work.
The Brazilian had already made a good impact at his new side before the stabbing, scoring once in eight Serie A games.
Monza boss Raffaele Palladino is unlikely to count his chickens just yet.
But the Italians minnows are quietly confident Mari could be available for their league return against Fiorentina on January 4.
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It would certainly be an amazing sight for football fans everywhere.
And Mari admits he’s been counting his blessings ever since the horrific event.
Speaking at the time, he said: “I was with the trolley with my child inside and I felt an excruciating pain in my back.
“Then that man stabbed another in the throat. Today I had luck, because I saw a person die in front of me.”
