00:08Football, or calcio as it's known in Italy, is more than just a sport.
00:15It's a cornerstone of Italian society, identity and daily life.
00:22It dominates the media and justifies daily national newspapers devoted to the topic.
00:28It intersects with politics and even overlaps with organized crime.
00:36Italian football culture is fueled by the concept of campanilissimo,
00:41a term reflecting local pride and the fierce loyalty fans exhibit towards their hometown teams.
00:51This is what motivates supporters to organize into ultras and create fevered atmospheres.
00:57And distinctive banners.
01:01Many Italian cities are home to more than one team, fueling passionate derbies.
01:07While Juventus reflects Italy's social and economic history, nicknamed La Fidanzata d'Italia,
01:15or the girlfriend of Italy, Juve has received a high level of support from southern Italian immigrant workers who arrived
01:23in Turin to work in the automotive industry.
01:29Clubs in Italy have long embraced the benefits of outsiders, leading to Serie A spending long periods as the most
01:37influential football competition in the world.
01:43In the 1950s, AC Milan returned to greatness powered by a trio of Swedes.
01:50Crosstown rivals Inter dominated the 1960s under the leadership of an Argentine, while the 1990s saw the very best footballers
02:00from all corners of the globe relocate to Italy.
02:03Be it George Weyer, Ronaldo, or Zinedine Zidane.
02:15With four World Cups and two European Championships, Italy is one of the most successful nations in football history.
02:26The Azzurri are renowned throughout the world as one of the most difficult opponents to face, regardless of form or
02:33standing on FIFA's rankings.
02:35This is due to the combination of toughness, tactical discipline and pride in defending that characterises Italian football.
02:46Often this is associated with the term catenaccio, a tactical development of the mid-20th century, which remains shorthand today
02:56for Italy's commitment to giving nothing away.
03:02Consequently, while Italy has produced its share of dazzling forwards like Roberto Baggio and Francesco Totti, its ability to unearth
03:12world-class defensive-minded players is unrivaled.
03:17For example, any all-time World XI would struggle to omit Franco Beresi, Paolo Maldini or Gianluigi Buffon.
03:36Like many countries around the world, modern organised football in Italy was the product of British influence.
03:43There was cultural exchange involving Italian merchants visiting England during the late 19th century.
03:50And the oldest football club in the country was founded by Englishmen.
03:54Although the Genoa Cricket and Football Club was originally created to service an entirely different sport.
04:03But Italy hosted variations of football that predate the modern game.
04:10These dates as far back as the Roman Empire and a pastime known as Harpastum, but most famously includes the
04:19medieval game of Calcio Fiorentino.
04:24Even today, matches are played each year in Piazza Santa Croce in the heart of Florence.
04:31This deep attachment to history, strong commitment to Campanilissimo and devotion to unpicking the minutiae of the game, makes Italy
04:44an obsessional football nation.
04:47Father gigantescae of the national football nation.
04:48Father gigantesca of the people made a tremendous sport to Nelson on the former world.
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