In the contemporary age of calcio, the libero is an obsolete position. This outdated defensive role, also known as the sweeper, was cleverly orchestrated by the following Italian legends:...
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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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Mario Balotelli: A portrait of adversity
The year is 1461 – Portuguese explorers have just sailed onto the shores of modern day Sierra Leone, just above the Gulf of Guinea. It’s the tipping point of...
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Exodus: Eddie Firmani and the Lure of the Lire
Back from left: Vicini, Arrigoni, Ocwirk, Firmani, Martini and Bardelli. Front from left: Agnoletto, Farina, Agostinelli, Tortul and Bernasconi. The year is 1956. It is a bright summer’s afternoon...
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Remembering Wesley Sneijder’s poetic campaign at Inter
Some players are just meant to be loved, whether that’s in the peak of their careers or further down the line when people realized they didn’t fully appreciate what...
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Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication: Tracing the miraculous revival of SPAL
“Nobody thought we could get to this point,” were the words of SPAL coach Leonardo Semplici after his side had confirmed their promotion to Serie A last season. “We...
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The bank of Napoli: Hasse Jeppson
Italian clubs have broken the world record for transfer fees 18 times in the modern era, more than those of any other country. During Serie A’s golden years between...
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Reminiscing about Ray: How Wilkins helped AC Milan on their path to revival
I went to Milan and had an absolute ball of a time. In the summer of 1984, two of football’s most distinguished names earned record breaking moves to Serie...
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In praise of Toto Di Natale: The kind-hearted goal-scorer and hero of Udine
Loyalty. In today’s game, no one really knows what the word means. Is it loyalty to a club? Are you loyal to anything in the game anymore? Agents and...
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The five best teams never to win Serie A
“Roma and Napoli had a superb campaign,” observed Juve boss Max Allegri in a press conference at the end of the season, “and Juventus did even better.” You have...
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