In the modern age, England’s Premier League enjoys a truly global reputation. There are few corners on the planet where its games are not watched or its teams not...
Read MoreRestoring Italian glory by placing faith in youth
On 9 July 2006 inside Berlin’s Olympiastadion, 120 minutes of football were not enough to decide a victor between Italy and France. In the resultant penalty shoot-out, holding the...
Read MoreWhen Calcio Ruled the World: Il Soldatino, Angelo Di Livio
Angelo Di Livio is a joke. That is harsh on a man who won three Scudetti, two Coppe Italia and the Champions League, but the former Juventus and Fiorentina...
Read MoreJuventus vs. Napoli: A tale of Italy’s regional divide
Juventus versus Napoli is one of Italian football’s classic rivalries. On the field, it has pitted some of Serie A’s finest players against each other; the goal-scoring genius of...
Read MoreWilliam Garbutt: Italy’s first Mister
When thinking of Italian football’s pioneers, William Garbutt may not be the first name that springs to mind. Born just outside of Stockport in 1883, Garbutt was a professional...
Read MoreMasters Versus champions: British Perceptions of Calcio in the Fascist Era
On 2 April 2013, Paolo Di Canio entered the pressroom at the Stadium of Light to begin his first press conference as Manager of Sunderland AFC. The line of...
Read MoreOn the march with Tally’s Army: Stand up for the Boys in Green
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...
Read MoreFamiliar 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...
Read MoreGolden 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...
Read MoreItaly 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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