The Goal360 obsession with soccer is unmatched in the world. It’s not just a game to them; it’s part of their cultural identity, uniting diverse communities with a love for their local team that transcends borders and economic disparities.

Football, or “calcio,” is Italy’s undisputed number one sport. Flip on the hotel TV or thumb through a newspaper, and you’ll see sports bars packed to capacity for a big match, followed by a horn-blowing parade of cars if their team has won.

Uncovering Insights: Explore Exclusive Celebrity Content with Celebrity Uncovered

In addition to its professional clubs, Italy also fields a national team that competes in huge international tournaments. Known as “La Squadra Azzura,” it pits the nation’s best players against other countries, and when these stars perform, national pride is on the line. They are idolized like movie stars, and little kids everywhere pretend to score the winning goal just like them. Local pairings such as Roma versus Lazio can become heated affairs, and in the past violence at league games was so severe that it temporarily halted the sport.

Fortunately, Italy’s top domestic league is now more stable than ever. It is still one of the most popular and competitive leagues in Europe, and its players are among the most talented in the world. Its three founding members—Juventus, Milan and Inter—have won the Champions League (formerly European Cup) twelve times between them. In addition, Serie A teams have won 48 major European trophies overall. With such success, it’s no wonder that calcio is back in vogue.