In May 2017 during an official visit to Rome, Donald Trump’s eldest daughter Ivanka was in the famous Ristorante Da Sabatino. Just above an image of the capuchin monk...
Read MoreFrance ’98 and the staffetta: Baggio vs. Del Piero, the race for Italy’s no. 10
Origins If the word ‘staffetta’ is translated into English, it roughly means relay. The word is generally associated with athletics – contests between two or more teams in running...
Read MoreThe rise of the Azzurre: How World Cup qualification could kickstart a new era for Italy’s women
It’s safe to say that the World Cup in Russia this summer has been quite enjoyable to watch. Last minute winners, stunning goals and fancied teams crashing out early...
Read MoreThe ecstasy before the agony: Roberto Baggio vs. Bulgaria (1994)
The everlasting image of the 1994 World Cup portrays a lonely Roberto Baggio disconsolately looking down at the penalty spot while all around him Brazil players celebrate. His head...
Read MoreThe penalty that salvaged a dream: Francesco Totti vs. Australia (2006)
“Francescooooooo! Totti! Totti! Totti!,” yelled Italian commentator Fabio Caressa. The Azzurri had just been rescued by the forward’s last gasp penalty kick against Australia, securing a spot in the...
Read MoreGol di Grosso: Italy, Germany and that night in Dortmund
For generations of football fans, Italy are the quintessential World Cup team. Skilful, stylish and exciting, Gli Azzurri have been involved in some iconic World Cup moments. While many...
Read MoreItaly’s déjà vu: How Azeglio Vicini’s Azzurri failed to qualify for Euro 92
Many among the 70,000 crowd gathered in the San Siro released an involuntary gasp as Spanish referee Antonio Lahoz blew a shrill, long note from his whistle. As the...
Read MoreReporting for duty: When Serie A’s superstars did national service
“The next young player who says he does not want to play for England should be ordered to ring the parents of a soldier who has died serving his...
Read MoreRoberto Baggio’s redemption: A story of two World Cup penalties
According to Buddha’s teachings, “it is not prayer, not grace and not sacrifice that brings redemption, but only knowledge. The knowledge lies within the power of the individual”. It...
Read MoreThe top 10 Azzurri kits of all time
What’s your favourite Italy jersey? The question sounds simple, but the answer, and the thought process involved in reaching a decision, is anything but. When I asked writers and...
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