In the build up to Euro 2016, ThatsMags.com will be profiling Euro 2016 Shanghai Fans from all 24 countries taking part in the tournament in France. Representing Italy is the man who puts the funk in Funkadeli (and Funkadelino) and rules the roost at The Parrot, Gianluca Sacco.
Italy, Group E
Opponents: Belgium, Rep of Ireland & Sweden
Odds: 16/1
Greatest moment ever?
Italy winning the World Cup in 2006 (below), no doubt. In '82 I had just been born, but in 2006 I enjoyed each and every game in Shanghai at crazy hours with crazy people. Then we celebrated the unexpected victory with a massive parade to People's Square and a 120 meter Italian flag. Shanghai was Italian that morning!
Greatest Euros moment?
We've never been so good in Europe, but I really enjoyed the Euro Cup in Holland, when we beat the Dutchies with Toldo saving three penalties in one game. Top!
Worst moment ever?
We've had a few, but losing at the World Cup Final in 1994 on penalties was bad (below), and seeing Baresi and Baggio crying made all the country cry... you know we're very emotional.
Worst Euros moment?
In 2000 we were 30 seconds away from winning with flags angled at the cup already... then something wrong happened, very, very wrong.
Where you and your countrymen (and women) will be watching it in Shanghai?
I look forward to making The Parrot a point of reference for Italians and Italy games, but we'll be showing all the big games. It will be a football feast for all Europeans and football lovers.
Song(s) the fans sing?
We become patriotic only when Italy plays, so why not the national anthem, 'Fratelli d'Italia.' Not to mention the song of 2006, the classic 'Poooo-PO-PO-PO-PO-Poooo-Pooo' on the White Stripes song 7 Nation Army.
Biggest rivals?
I'm pretty sure I will particularly enjoy playing against France, Spain and Germany. We give our best when we face our friends.
Star Man?
We normally play a very team-oriented football and don't rely on single individuals. But there's always Gigi Buffon (above), with 20 years of saving and always leading a strong defense. A legend.
One to watch?
Check out Lorenzo Insigne, from Napoli, a small guy but a lot of talent. He may be a game changer... he's got the X Factor.
Bad Boy?
Fortunately Balotelli will be out, so the choice now is very difficult. For sure De Rossi will go pretty hard on any opponent's midfielder.
Boy Blunder?
Antonio Conte (above) is a sargeant coach, and he's got guts... sometimes too much. He's already declared that he's going to coach Chelsea next season (and that was not nice!) but he's a fighter and a winner. He's going to build up a Nazionale with no big names, strong team spirit, and strong defense from Juventus. If he doesn't stress out the players too much we've got a good chance as usual. Otherwise, he'll be the most hated man in Italy.
Heart Throb?
What to say... all of them? We are notoriously a team, sometimes a country, very appreciated by woman (that's what I've heard anyways). But I'm pretty sure girls will particularly like some expert, mature and bearded players like Barzagli, Candreva or De Rossi. All in their thirties, married with kids, but still Italians.
So what are your chances?
With Italy the good thing is that you never know! We always get chances. We give our best when it is needed and never give up. Normally when we're not the favorite, our chance of succeeding increases. This year the team is not at its best, but paper is paper and the field is the field so...you never know!
Want to write about your country? Email us at editor@urbanatomy.com.
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