Como can lay claim to one of the most idyllic stadium settings in European football: a ground perched on the … More
Category: Writing
Brasilazio, Niginho and The Long Shadow of Fascist Italy
Over ten million Italians left their homes at the turn of the 20th century, fleeing the grinding poverty that afflicted vast swathes of … More
Heaven & Hell – The Unfolding Storylines in Serie B
As the 2025/26 Serie B season canters toward its climax, tantilising storylines are beginning to be written at both ends … More
The Blagger’s Guide To Italian Football Derbies
From the Derby della Madonnina to the Derby della Mole, river-deep and mountain-high, Italy is awash with evocatively-named footballing rivalries. … More
Icons and Angels: The Saints of Italian Football
October 1997. The greats of world football gathered at San Siro for Franco Baresi’s testimonial match. From Baggio to Bergomi, from Van Basten to … More
Calcio Travel Notes: Venezia
The city of Venice requires no introduction. On one hand, Venezia is one of the wonders of the world: a … More
Forza Igor: Courage Beyond The Final Whistle
“It’s a very tough match, I know full well I could win or lose, but I’ll give it my all, … More
Calcio Travel Notes: Perugia
Perugia is a serene hilltop city, perched equidistant between Florence to the north and Rome to the south. Distinct from those bustling … More
Jamie Vardy’s Italian Job Comes With an Unlikely Commute
After completing his surprise move to Serie A newcomers Cremonese, Jamie Vardy has now raised eyebrows with an equally unexpected … More
A Silver Boot and A Hollow Dream: The Curious Case of Saadi Gaddafi in Serie A
Tucked away in Perugia’s Stadio Renato Curi is a modest museum. Scarves, balls, faded photographs and shirts trace the history of a … More
Calcio England 