On New Year’s day, when an ex-student of mine, a proud Veronese with a curious west coast drawl, asked if I would be interested in going to France for...
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Familiar Foes: Italy and Ireland renew acquaintances
It is a small country on the fringes of Europe, a country whose people have spread knowledge, ‘craic’ and a deal of mischief to the four corners of this...
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Golden Heartbreak: Italy at Euro 2000
Despite a laudable haul of four world cups, Italy have only won the European Championships once – back in 1968, when they played at home in a tournament comprised...
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Gigi Riva: The silence before the thunder
“Knocks from defenders are like caresses when compared to the beatings of mourning, loneliness and deprivation.” Those strong and poignant words were uttered by a man better known for...
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Italy and Euro 2004: A conspiracy or Scandinavian pragmatism?
On a June evening in Porto in 2004, a Scandinavian derby took place in a decisive game of the Euro 2004 group stage. Sweden trailed 2-1 going into the...
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The Battle of Santiago: Chile vs. Italy 1962
In questionable taste, metaphors of war are frequently wheeled out to describe football matches. Spells of territorial dominance are termed as ‘sieges’ complete with ‘aerial bombardments’; midfield ‘generals’ command...
Read MoreClassic Azzurri Match: Brazil 2-3 Italy (1982)
A total of 44,000 people were crammed into the Sarria Stadium in Barcelona on the 5th July 1982. They didn’t know yet but they were to witness a true...
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