‘The Misters’ Part VII: Maurizio Sarri – The philosopher returns as Lazio reunite with their most complex modern maestro

Maurizio Sarri’s career is one of the most unconventional and fascinating journeys in modern Italian football.  A former banker who rose...

Game 13 of 38: AC Milan vs Lazio – Solo trip, San Siro chaos, VAR controversy and an unforgettable Lazio journey

Another trip to the San Siro — but this one wasn’t supposed to be solo. Originally, the plan had been for...

Serie A in the 1980s: The decade of superstars and global appeal

The 1980s were arguably Serie A’s most glamorous and transformative decade.  Italian football became the destination of choice for some of...

‘The Misters’ Part VI: Paolo Vanoli – Fiorentina’s new architect of identity and discipline

Paolo Vanoli’s rise through the coaching ranks has been anything but conventional. Once a quiet, diligent full-back known for tactical intelligence...

Domenica Bastardi – Game 12 of 38: Lazio vs Lecce boycott, Curva Nord’s silent protest and a 2–0 win led by Guendouzi

After the defeat against Inter, it was time to return to the Olimpico for Lazio vs Lecce — a match that...

Serie A in the 1970s: The golden era of tactical innovation and competitive balance

The 1970s were a transformative decade for Serie A, combining tactical sophistication, the rise of new stars, and intense competition among...

Domenica Bastardi – Game 11 of 38: San Siro pilgrimage, gemellaggio and a harsh 2–0 defeat

Matchday 11 took me north to a stadium that needs no introduction — the San Siro for Inter vs Lazio —...

Domenica Bastardi – Game 10 of 38: Back home at the Olimpico after chaos, rain and robbery

After the misery of the robbery and the soaking, soul-draining chaos of Pisa — where I ended up sitting with the...

Domenica Bastardi Game 9 of 38: Rain, chaos and resilience as Lazio battle to a point in Pisa

After recovering — or at least trying to recover — from the madness of the robbery, it was time for Pisa. ...

‘The Misters’ Part V: Gian Piero Gasperini – From Atalanta innovator to Roma’s ambitious new era

If Italian football has long revered charismatic, trophy-laden coaches, then Gian Piero Gasperini stands apart as one of the great innovators...