A sea of fans in blue rose, removed their hats, and gazed downwards as an announcement was made over Red Bull Arena’s PA, calling for a moment of silence. Joe Barone, a pioneer in bridging Italian football into the United States, had passed away just several days before. Even in the parking lot during the tailgate, fans held their own prayers to take a break from the festivities. From working in grassroots for the Brooklyn Italians, to the man behind the curtain at Fiorentina, Barone would have been proud to see the thousands of Italian fans now pouring into the entire end section of the stands.
The day began early for many, who were given meeting spots in the (sometimes dirt-covered) parking lots designated for the Italian fans. While some setups were modest, with prepared sandwiches and a bottle of Chianti, other arrangements were profound with 30’ campers and foldable patios to cover the charcoal grilling and cases of San Pellegrino. The under-six crowd tried their best at juggling between themselves, while adults swapped stories of the last time the Azzurri and their favourite club team came across the Atlantic.
The jovial atmosphere had just a touch of rivalry about it, as fans took quick glances at those who opted for club colours – but once the players took the pitch, and the Italian national anthem rang, any division was put aside for a truly unique moment of Italian unity under the American sun. It was a stark contrast to the first of the two match US tour, as there was minimal Italian support in Florida, with a climate in full support for Venezuela. But this was the first time the Azzurri had played in the US in almost 20 years, ironically also in New Jersey and against Ecuador, who was an old foe from the 2002 World Cup.
Before even your writer could take his seat, Federico Dimarco’s free-kick was blocked by the wall, but Lorenzo Pellegrini stepped quickly to fire off the volley with his weak foot, with the blue wave erupting just feet from the net. A ‘splending conclusion’ to suggest the fans would be getting their money’s worth – unless of course, they were part of the 22,000 Ecuadorians in attendance.
Moments later, Pellegrini linked up with Giacomo Raspadori who turned at the top of the 18-yard-box, finding Raoul Bellanouva who placed a cross for Dimarco in a play that fell just short of doubling the lead. The Torino wing-back started in what became his national team debut in New Jersey, alongside Giuglielmo Vicario also got his senior debut between the sticks.
Photos courtesy of Roma Club New York.
In the 16’, Nicolo Zaniolo saw a clear-cut chance blocked by the keeper. He was a player of interest for boss Luciano Spalletti, who called him up to see if his move abroad had done any good. On loan at Aston Villa, Zaniolo became a subplot due to such graceful goal-scoring actions early in his career, but was now approaching the cutoff to be part of the Azzurri’s plans for the 2024 European Championship, and the 2026 World Cup in the not so distant future (with the 2026 final to be played just a few miles from this exact location.)
With his back to goal, he played Pellegrini who lobbed it over the defence to Raspadori, who missed his chance to score at the onset of the second half. Not great in front of net, but Italy were playing good ball in what was otherwise a home match for Ecuador, who were and are a growing, talented team.
Highlights: Ecuador-Italia 0-2 | Amichevole
They were finally allowed a shot on goal in the 60’ as Vicario made a diving save from Gonzalo Plata’s strong shot, but the Azzurri were untested otherwise throughout the remainder of the match.
At the tail-end of added time, Riccardo Orsolini drew his man in, finding Nicolo Barella charging down the right flank and through on goal. The nation’s star player confirmed the win with a pinpointed chip to salute the fans with one last work of joy.
Scour the Whatsapp groups of different Italian fan clubs, and you’ll find conversations of great memories from this day still taking place. With the one year anniversary springing up on Facebook memories, it’s remembered fondly and as a success.
I have to think that the people like Joe who have fought so hard to bring Italian football abroad and engage the international community would have been proud of this spectacle. It has since become a reference point for what the future holds Oltreoceano, and one that makes the distance that much smaller.
