 |
Your guide to Italy & Italian Culture on the Web. Enjoy as you learn more about the traditions, heritage and way of life that make Italians who they are. |
| Home | Advertise | Articles | Forum | News | Store |
Art, Cuisine, Famous Italians, Festivals, Folklore, Genealogy, Holidays, Maps, Photos, Real Estate, Sports, Travel and More
Surname Collection
Add your name to the collection.
Recipes
Authentic Italian recipes for you to enjoy.
Photo Galleries
Enjoy photos of Italy, wine making & more.
Proverbi
Proverbs in Italian & English.
Our Paesani
Weekly column dedicated to today's Italy.
by Francesca Di Meglio
Italian Memories
Articles on growing up Italian.
by Cookie Curci
Learn Italian
English-Italian guides
Spanish-Italian guides.
| Gift Guide |
|
|
Books | Calendars Clothing | Music Posters/Prints Videos |
Regional Guides
Guides to Italy's regions.
Molto Italiano
Sign up for our FREE newsletter.
Trivia
Test your knowledge of Italy.
Part 1 of 4: From The Beginning
by Steve Amoia
Calcio is derived, to the best of my knowledge, from the medieval game of "calcio fiorentino." Or, Florentine kickball. Calcio (cahl-choh) does not literally mean "football or soccer." In Italian, "calciare" means "to kick." A soccer player is a called a "calciatore." When Italians translate the word into English, they use the common term of football. Calcio is a great part of Italian culture, and the word represents their unique identity in the world of international football. Another word close to the hearts and souls of Italians is "Azzurri." (Aht-zoor-ree.)
The Italian National Team is known affectionately by its supporters (tifosi) as the "Azzurri." Or the "Blues." The color of their shirts came from the House of Savoia (Savoy), who were the kings of Italy between 1861 and 1946. The team began playing in 1910, and their first game was a win against France, 6 to 2. After the Republic was formed, the team maintained the blue color, which is synonymous with Italian soccer around the world. All Italian National Teams, regardless of the particular sport, are known as either "Gli Azzurri" (men) or "Le Azzurre" (women.)
Here are some Italian soccer terms, along with some related topics, that will help you to better understand calcio italiano. You will hear many of these terms during the weekly Italian game of the week on MHz Networks (channel 56 on free tv) in Northern Virginia. The broadcast time for the "calcio d'inizio" (kickoff) is at 3:00 p.m. (ore 1500) on Sundays. Serie A is also broadcast on RAI International, Gol TV, and Fox Soccer Channel throughout North America. The 2005-2006 Serie A campionato began on Sunday, 28 August 2005, and the defending champion is Juventus of Turin. Next February, Turin (Torino) will host the Olympic Winter Games.
Guarda. (Gwarh-dah.) Ascolta. (Oz-colt-tah.) Impara. (Eem-pah-rah.) Watch. Listen. Learn. Witness the passion of calcio italiano. One day you may be there. ;-)
Part 2: Coaches & Referees
Part 3: Players
Part 4: Common Terms From The Game
Partner Links
Shops/Stores
Italiansrus Gear
RomeGiftShop
Italian Charms
FORZIERI.com
ilmercatoItaliano.net
CyberCucina.com
Gustobene.com
Lokation Italy
Rome Hotels
Tour Italy
Venere.com
HotelsItaly.com
Proudly display the colors of Italy with these great products.
Purchase souvenirs & gifts from Rome & Italy. Get FREE postcards from Rome.
Huge selection of Italian charms and jewelry.
The world largest online retailer for Premium Italian Fashions.
Cuisine/Food
The finest selection of authentic gourmet foods imported from Italy.
Fine gourmet foods and more.
Use code Italiansruspromo to receive a 10% discount off your entire purchase.
Real Estate
Leading agency for real estate in Abruzzo and Le Marche.
Travel
Book your Rome hotels fast and easy!
Customize your trip to Italy.
Find and book hotels, B&B's and apartments.
Book your hotel in Italy now!
