Italian football
Remembering The Glory Days at Parma, Once One Of Italy’s Most Iconic Teams
In the early nineties, Parma underwent a remarkable transformation from a lower-league side to European marauders. Their collapse was similarly spectacular, and was symbolic of an era of decline in Serie A.
A Champions League Trophy, the Final Repair to Gianluigi Buffon’s Kintsugi Career
Though no career is perfect, Buffon's comes close. One trophy has eluded him, however, leaving timeworn cracks in his time at Juventus.
At The Vanguard: Paolo Sollier, Italian Football’s Die-Hard Left Winger | CA | Translation
Though he is little known on these shores, Paolo Sollier remains a counterculture icon in Italy. While his football often flew under the radar, his far-left politics certainly did not.
The Cult: Pavel Nedved
Having made his breakout at Euro 96, Pavel Nedved’s blond mop became an iconic feature of Serie A. He was fiercely loyal to Juventus and his own intense brand of football, and for that we induct him into The Cult.
Remembering The Failed Serie A Careers Of Arsenal’s Invincibles Generation
Before they were winning titles and going a season unbeaten at Arsenal, Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira were struggling in Italy. Here’s how they shook off their Serie A woes to become icons of the Premier League.
Zdeněk Zeman: Bohemian Rhapsody in Serie A
"Nowadays, football is more and more an industry, less and less a game."
Zdenek Zeman: Bohemian Rhapsody in Serie A
Zdenek Zeman remains one of Italian football's most iconic coaches, renowned for his commitment to attacking tactics and a life-long rebellious streak. He is currently attempting mission impossible: to save Pescara from relegation to Serie B.
Our Darling, Our Diego: How Naples Fell in Love With Maradona
It is often taken as a truism that no man is bigger than the club, but Diego Maradona's stint at Napoli challenges this. During a glorious and at times chaotic seven years in Naples, Maradona brought a whole city under his spell.
How Liverpool Reject Gabriel Paletta Became AC Milan's Working-Class Hero
Though he never fulfilled his potential at Liverpool, Gabriel Paletta has made a fine career for himself elsewhere. Amongst his fellow Italo-Argentinos, he is a symbol of working-class perseverance.
Javier Zanetti, Inter Milan and The Rebel Football Match That Never Took Place
Considering his background, Javier Zanetti’s affinity with the impoverished people of Mexico was unsurprising. So he forged a bond with the Zapatista rebel movement, and Inter Milan followed his lead.
Forza Scozia! Faith, Football and the Most Scottish Town in Italy
Thomas Clark journeys to Tuscany to follow in the footsteps of a forgotten Scottish striker, and to uphold the honour of his country in the blistering late summer sun.
Naples Restaurant Offers Cut-Price Pizza To Coincide With Gonzalo Higuain’s First Injury at Juventus
This throws up a unique ethical conundrum: is it okay to profit from someone else’s suffering, if there’s delicious pizza involved?