AZZURRI!

Over the last four years I have denied my love of the Italians...but for the last four weeks, it's been difficult for me to contain my passion. So I must admit now that I have always been and will always be a fan of the Azzurri. Their game is like opera...there's drama, violence, passion, heartbreak, revenge, victory and defeat, joy and sadness, and love.

Love? Yes. Have you seen the way they put their arms around each other and sing their national anthem? Or kissing and hugging one another after a victory? They even cut Camoranesi's hair to celebrate winning the 2006 cup. It makes me teary.

This obsession with the Azzurri began during the 1990 World Cup in Italy. The player was Salvatore Schillaci - who made his debut in the first game against Austria as a substitute. He scored the winning goal, and Italy beat Austria 1-0. He eventually won the golden boot, scoring six total goals. The '90 cup was the Notti Magiche di Totò Schillaci (magical nights of Totò Schillaci). Schillaci's club team: Juventus

Then came Roberto Baggio and Guiseppe Signori in the 1994 World Cup in the States. Baggio scored five total goals in the tournament, but is probably most remembered for missing his pentalty kick in the final against Brasil (my brother was at the game, sat with the US National team, and has a picture of Baggio's missed shot). I still have newspaper clippings from Italy's matches...and I had a Baggio jersey (I stupidly gave it away...such is the demon of denial) and a Baggio poster. Baggio's club team: Juventus


I started off the 2006 Cup by telling everyone how much I disliked the Italians. That way, I could watch their matches late at night (thanks to Tivo) while everyone was sleeping and no one would know. I continued to discuss my dislike until the semi-final match against Germany (it's difficult to contain your excitement when you're in a bar with a hundred other people). My heart beat faster when I saw Alessandro Del Piero warming up on the sideline, and I jumped out of my seat when he scored in the 121st minute...it was bellissimo. Some trivia: The area 10 yards outside the penalty box is known as La Zona Del Piero. Did you know that the French coach, Domenech, distrusts Scorpios and that astrological sign is absent from the French squad? Well...Del Piero is a Scorpio. And his club team: Juventus

"Siam pronti alla morte:
Italia chiamò!"

I may have to change my nationality.