I’ve always been fascinated by the world of Italian Football – right across the board from the elegant players that grazed the turf of the San Siro (or the correct title ‘Giuseppe Meazza Stadium’) to the more cynical form of Catenaccio. I was pleased to find a book written by John Foot entitled ‘Calcio: A History of Italian Football’ and I was intrigued to find out more about Vittorio Pozzo (who I always believed to be aligned with the fascist regime enforced by Benito Mussolini) and the corruption that has always been rife within Italian football – from top to bottom. I wasn’t disappointed at all.
The book displays a great insight into the conflicts between different parts of Italy – highlighted no more than the North/South divide – and the different sets of fans. ‘Calcio’ also covers the darker side of the Italian game – with detailed accounts of extreme violence, in and outside the football stadium. There are also accounts of altercations on the pitch – with the most graphic and horrific account involving Lazio in the early 70′s, ironically against English opposition. Characters such as Giorgio Chinaglia (Lazio’s controversial frontman) are analysed – which are quite fascinating.
As a child in the late 80′s I was always besotted with Arrigo Sacchi’s Milan side. At the time I was unaware of the ‘un-Italian’ nature of his system and tactics, however as I matured and got more involved in the tactical side of the game – it was apparent; Sacchi had changed modern day football as we knew it. A side containing a trio of Dutchmen in Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard and Marco Van Basten ruled Europe for two seasons – winning back to back trophies in 1989 and 1990, the latter the year of the finals in Italy for the first time since 1934, where a Vittorio Pozzo inspired Azzurri lifted the Jules Rimet trophy for the first time. It is no cover up that the arrival of Silvio Berlusconi transformed the fortunes of the Rossoneri – after years of financial meltdown and relegation. Love him or loathe him, Berlusconi understood the passion of Italians for football and used Milan as a political catapult to smash his way into power – and it worked. The more successful AC Milan were, the better Berlusconi and his television network looked. For everything that AC Milan owe Berlusconi for resurrecting the 1963 and 1969 European Cup winners, Berlusconi owes his personal success down to the quality of the side his funds (and knowledge – apparently) helped mold.
Milan’s rise to the top of the Serie A pile was briefly interrupted from a small bloke from the south – Diego Armando Maradona. Foot highlights Maradona in a positive light stating that his ‘genius can really only be understood through images – his goals were never ugly or dull’. The Argentinian number ten, for me, was the greatest player of all time. Its easy to compile a list of top players that graced the World Cup. Maradona, Cruyff, Zidane, Beckenbauer, Charlton, Garrincha, Ronaldo, Eusebio and of course Pele – but in terms of overall technical, physical and mental ability, surely you can’t look no further than the trouble Napoli hero? He could win matches on his own through his unique dribbling that would result in an assist or beautiful goal. I once saw a clip of him scoring from the half way line for Boca after doing a few kick ups. It wasn’t that Maradona had to be flash or extravagant to prove how good he was – this skill and grace epitomized everything Maradona stood for. His rebelious nature was an endearing feature of the adopted Neapolitan.
Foot really captures the feeling and love towards Maradona from the Neapolitans – often looked down upon from the more wealthy North. He also clearly demonstrates the impact Diego had on Italian Football – which is clear to see when scrolling down the honours list of the Southern minnows. Two Serie A titles – 1987 & 1990 – along with a UEFA Cup – all in the Maradona era. His genius broke the stronghold of the North and brought Napoli their first major honour. His ability inspired those around him and Foot is quick to state that Napoli were not just about Maradona but were ‘Maradona dependent’. Other players such as current Juventus boss Ciro Ferrara, Fernado De Napoli, Andrea Carnevale and a young Gianfranco Zola – were touch along the way by the genius of Maradona. With any genius like Maradona there is always a darker side – a side that is always on the edge. His drug abuse and fulled orgies combined with weight problems later in life on touch the mad world of Diego. For all his troubles and drawbacks as a man – as a footballer he was simply the best.
The view of Juventus is captured brilliantly – with Foot taking a similar view to that of Manchester United in England. Loved by millions throughout the land – but despised in equal measures. Success usually breeds jealously, however in the case of Juventus and, thankfully, not in the case of Manchester United – many Italians clubs feel aggrieved by the cheating of the Old Lady throughout the years. From match fixing to doping to bribing – Juve have been guilty of it all. Prior to the emergence of Calciopoli, I did always wonder how a team like Juventus could win so many Scudettos – but yet fail so miserably in the European Cup when they reached major finals. Two European Cup wins out of seven attempts is a pretty poor showing for a club that has provided a home to some of the greatest players in the history of the game. Platini and Zidane are the obvious two – however, Liam Brady is still worshiped by the Bianconeri faithful for his decision to take on a penalty on the last game of the season – even though the Irishman knew he’d be leaving to make way for Platini. Its interesting to read about the overwhelming examples of situations where the decision has ‘gone the way of the Old Lady’ – none more famous than the disallowed goal scored by Turone in the 1980/81 Championship.
I must say that I am deeply impressed with the author’s knowledge of Serie A and the way in which the facts are presented. It is a very enjoyable read – for any football enthusiast and I would recommend immensely.
