“You’re here from Australia to watch Brescia?” It wasn’t the first time I was asked that question that day, but I didn’t have the heart to tell them I...
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Tales from the Peninsula: Napoli vs Juventus – it’s always feisty
There are many brilliant stories connected to Napoli and the Stadio San Paolo. I myself have been fortunate enough to see a few matches in the famous city and...
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Tales from the Peninsula: Carlisle vs. Roma (1972)
I’ve lived all my adult life in Italy but the first time I saw an Italian team play in the flesh was as a teenager in my home town...
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Tales from the Peninsula: Aberdeen vs. Torino (1993-94)
When Aberdeen were drawn to play Torino in the second round of the 1993-94 Cup Winners Cup my two footballing loves of the time were brought together. Born and...
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Tales from the Peninsula: The birth of the Molfettesi derby
Why does a small city in Italy have two teams in the same semi-professional league?! This was my first question when I discovered that there was to be a...
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Tales from the Peninsula: Pride, passion & art in Naples
Taking in the sights and sounds of Via San Gregorio Armeno, a narrow alley in the heart of Naples’ bustling centro storico, is quite the experience. Although the street...
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Tales from the Peninsula: Choreography, Chiellini & I Granata
The 9am Freciarossa from Stazione Centrale, Milano to Torino’s Porta Nuova station on Sunday February 18 was a fast way to start the build up to the Derby della Mole....
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Tales from the Peninsula: In search of this crazy faith – from Manchester to Verona
Italy was bracing itself for Il Burian, the ferocious Siberian wind that would render the match between Juventus and Atalanta unplayable and would also see snow fall in Rome...
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Tales from the Peninsula: Adventures in Serie B with Empoli
I’ve been to northern Italy enough times in the winter to know that it falls victim to gionata piovosa (daily rain) as much as England in February. The promise...
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Tales from the Peninsula: Generosity, beauty & silverware in Milan
When my girlfriend, Maria, and I saw a poster advertising a trip to watch Milan versus Juventus at the theatre of football I had no reservations instantly contacting the...
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