Rigore! - The Italian Football Podcast

Napoli make a break for it as Inter stumble. We wonder if they might end up with no trophies after being in contention for three for so long. Plus, Venezia put in a good performance (again) but lose (again). Time is running out... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Verona Campione is the new book from Richard Hough, exploring the amazing underdog story of how Hellas Verona conquered the giants of Italian football to become Serie A champions. Published to mark the 40th anniversary of Verona's achievement, this authentic footballing fairy tale is brought to life through exclusive interviews with players, journalists and fans.Giancarlo has a great chat with Richard, hearing about why he wanted to write it, and whether we will ever see its like again.Pre-Order Verona Campione now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Orsolini's 94th minute goal v Inter has blown the title race wide open - are Napoli now favourites? And at the other end, Venezia are frustrated not to hang on to beat Empoli, but it looks like relegation could go down to the wire. Plus, we look back at the mixed European results. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Venezia finally notch up a win, and with a goal from Daniel Fila no less! But as we discuss, it is only the start of what they need to pull of a miracle... Elsewhere, the Rome derby ends in a draw, Milan run riot and Inter win to put pressure on Napoli's game v Empoli (which also has big repercussions for the relegation battle). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many draws in Serie A this weekend, but who was left the happiest? Not Venezia, who probably needed a win v Lecce, but if you cant score goals... Plus, are Atalanta cooked? Is it Gasperini's fault? And is Daniel Fila actually a professional footballer? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Napoli v Inter at the top of the table as we head into the final weeks, with Atalanta's challenge well and truly snuffed-out by Fiorentina. Venezia meanwhile put in another decent performance, but fail to score one more, meaning next week's clash v Lecce becomes make or break. Plus, we look back on the two faces of Italy in their defeat against Germany, and spare a thought for Sampdoria down in Serie B (and soon to be Serie C?) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's all smiles on the pod this week as Fiorentina humble Juve - can Motta survive? While Inter break away at the top with a victory over Atalanta, while Napoli are held by Venezia. Can the lagunari still save themselves? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Atalanta humiliate Juve in their home to make sure the scudetto is a proper 3-way race, while Marco is very satisfied by Gytkjaer's last minute equaliser for Venezia against the dreaded Como - a result that still gives the Lagunari some hope... Plus, a tribute to the great Bruno Pizzul. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

None of the top three took advantage of their fixtures to make a break for it, with one of those three, Atalanta, held at home by Venezia. Good result for the Lagunari, but the question is whether they will ever score again... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A bad week for Italian teams in Europe, and also at home for Fiorentina and Venezia - will Venezia ever score a goal again? Plus, some great own goals, and penalty taking arguments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No Ben Yedder for Venezia means we return! But things haven't improved on the pitch for Venezia as we wonder if Di Francesco will survive as Venezia look doomed. Elsewhere, Fiorentina lose to Como (boo) and the top teams all stumble. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite a fine victory for Fiorentina over Inter in midweek, this is a bit of a sombre episode as Marco lays out how he feels about Venezia potentially signing a convicted criminal - and why it could be the last episode for a while. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was all draws for the top teams this weekend, while Fiorentina grabbed a second consecutive win. No such luck for Venezia, who lost their captain to the transfer window and their keeper to injury - but could Balotelli save the day (spoiler: probably not, but it would be fun). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will he stay or will he go? That's the question that Marco and all Venezia fans have been asking after the shock news that the club are trying to sell the Doge of Venice himself, Joel Pohjanpalo. To make matters worse, Venezia could only draw against Verona. Elsewhere, Fiorentina got back to winning ways against Lazio, while Napoli beat Juve to make the title race too close to call. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we try to outdo each other by discussing who has the poorer player in their team - Colpani or Candela. Plus, Atalanta lose a humdinger of a match v Napoli - is their title challenge done? And why Lazio's eagle tamer is making all the wrong headlines for Serie A around the world... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Good results for teams at the bottom of the league is bad news for Venezia - but were they a bit unlucky against Inter? Napoli win despite the Kvara-going rumours, and we consider what impact that and other rumoured January transfers will have on the league Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the halfway stage of the season and we think the results are starting to rebalance the league a little - Roma doing a bit better as we thought they would and Lazio and Fiorentina a little worse. Elsewhere, Venezia grab a point against Empoli, but was it a good or bad point? And what does the January market have in store for clubs? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marco is full of festive cheer as Venezia deliver that Christmas miracle win against Cagliari, while Atalanta's sensational season continues. We also discuss the ridiculousness of VAR offside decisions, and wonder if Roma have turned a corner. Merry Christmas all! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Atalanta stay top, Fiorentina's winning run ends, and Venezia nearly pull off a historic result in Turin - only for Juve to get their usual 95th minute penalty...NOTE - Initially we uploaded a version in which Giancarlo's audio was too low (some may say this was a good thing!) but we have uploaded a new version - if you can read this, you should have the new and improved version! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the season of the "smaller" teams as Atalanta go top, and Fiorentina and Lazio dare to dream. But down at the bottom end, Venezia and Como play out a farcical draw in stormy weather - a result that probably keeps Di Francesco his job, but doesn't really help. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back after an illness-enforced absence, but things have only gotten worse for Venezia... How is Di Francesco still in a job? Elsewhere, there were frightening scenes in Florence when Edoardo Bove collapsed, but fortunately he seems to be doing a little better, while on the pitch, Napoli extended their lead at the top, while most teams at the bottom got some vital points. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special extra-long episode to tide you over during the international break as we speak with renowned Italian football pundit and journalist, Gabriele Marcotti. We chat to Gab about the state of Serie A, TV rights, Ranieri to Roma and whether Spalletti has Italy on the right track. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two points separate the top six teams (and four points separate the bottom 8) - is this the most exciting start ever? Well, not if you're a Venezia fan as they gift more ridiculous goals to their opponents. But there is more to celebrate for Giancarlo as Fiorentina continue to fly high. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is more predictable in Italian football than a small team getting a goal chopped off v a big team in the last minute... we recorded this in the moments after Venezia's equaliser was cruelly ruled out against Inter. Elsewhere, Atalanta thump Napoli in Naples, and Fiorentina's hot streak continues. Is the title race as open as it seems? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Serie A went goal crazy this weekend, with Giancarlo's own Fiorentina handing out a 5 goal thumping to Roma, Inter and Juve sharing just the 8 goals, and even Venezia and Monza sharing 4 goals in a 2-2 draw. Where does that leave things? Giancarlo is on cloud nine, but Marco sees some small signs of hope for Venezia... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One half of the pod is very happy, the other very sad - we'll let you decide which is which as we dissect the latest games in Serie A this weekend, as well as looking back at Italy's games against Belgium and Israel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anna Guarnerio joins us in a special bonus episode to discuss Lega Serie A's decision to partner with One Football in the UK for the TV rights, to tell us how the decision is made, and what fans can expect both this season and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's penalty pandemonium this week as referee Luca Pairetto gave 3 and missed more in the Fiorentina-Milan game (the result of which made Giancarlo very happy), while elsewhere questionable decisions abounded. Meanwhile, Napoli stay top with a good win v Como, while Roma's Juric train is already struggling. Plus - a long rant from Marco on why Venezia should ditch Di Francesco - but won't. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listeners will be relieved to hear we are back to our usual grumpy selves - or Marco is at least, after a frustrating Venezia defeat to Roma. Elsewhere, Napoli go top, Toro lose for the first time, and we ask once again whether 2006 World Cup Winners are doomed to fail as managers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We pay tribute to a legend of the Azzurri this week as we remember Totò Schillaci, and also celebrate victories for both Venezia and Fiorentina. Plus, a surprise Milan derby result, and De Rossi gone at Roma. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special episode with another special guest as we speak with One Football's Maurits Schoen to hear how One Football grabbed the rights for Serie A in the UK, and their plans to make it work for the fans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Napoli go top as most other big teams seemed pre-occupied with upcoming Euro fixtures - though Fiorentina and especially Venezia decided to make things easier for their CL opponents. Are Di Francesco's days numbered in the lagoon? Plus, a look back at the Italy results in the Nations League, and a preview of the opening fixtures of the Champions League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The end of the transfer window saw some big moves in Italy, but how long will it take for all these new players to bed in at the likes of Juve and Fiorentina? Plus, Venezia unlucky to lose to Toro, and the joy of seeing an outfield player going in goal for Parma (even if it didn't end well for them). All that and a look at/moan about Spalletti's latest Italy squad - is it one of the worst ever? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The grudge match arrives early this season as Giancarlo's Fiorentina play host Marco's Venezia - but who ended up happier? Plus, a big weekend for the smaller sides as Parma beat Milan and Empoli win in Rome. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back, and so is Serie A! It was a weekend of draws, apart from for Venezia (of course!) A harsh opening for Marco's team on their return, while most other teams looked like they were still emerging from pre-season. Plus - did Conte lose on purpose? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are joined by the voice of Serie A in the UK, TNT Sports commentator Adam Summerton, as we look forward to the imminent start of the new Serie A season! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An unplanned, but necessary, emergency pod as we try to work through our pain and anger after Italy's whimper of an exit from Euro 2024...Music by Yevgeniy Sorokin from Pixabay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Contrasting fortunes on this final episode of the season as Marco is giddy from his trip to watch Venezia win promotion, while Giancarlo is still smarting at Fiorentina's defeat in the ECL final. Plus - a look ahead to the Euros, with a little hope but low expectations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Serie A is done and dusted (just about), and we discuss an exciting end to the relegation battle. Plus, we give our views on Spalletti's Italy squad, wonder about the state of Juve, Bologna and more next season, and of course look back at an exciting week in the Serie B playoffs and playouts. And yes - Marco has booked his ticket for the final... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we discuss some very, very late goals that could change the fortunes of some teams at the bottom of the Serie A table and help those in the Serie B playoffs. Plus, we discuss Allegri's blow-up at the Coppa Italia final, and look ahead to Atalanta v Bayer Leverkusen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a painful episode this week for one half of the podcast as Marco struggles with Venezia's performance on Friday night that threw away a chance at automatic promotion. Plus, we stick it to all the new Como fans that have suddenly appeared, and look back at a decisive weekend in the top half of Serie A. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get ready for some Como conspiracies as Marco lets rip after farcical events in the midweek round of Serie B games - although fortunately San Joel was able to partially make up for things against Feralpisalò. In Serie A, Inter help Sassuolo in their relegation battle, while Giancarlo is feeling strangely optimistic about Fiorentina's 2nd leg v Club Brugge (never a good sign on the pod...) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's all smiles this week as Fiorentina thump Sassuolo and Venezia get a huge win against Cremonese. We also chat about how De Rossi has turned things around at Roma, and look ahead to the big European matches coming up for the Italian sides. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's all about five - or six? - teams in the Champions League for Serie A this week, along with a look over the relegation battle in the league. Will Cannavaro save Udinese (unlikely)? Is Lopetegui the answer for Milan (probably not)? And much more, including a tight win for Venezia over bottom of the table Lecco in Serie B. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a weekend of draws in Serie A, we pick out the highlights, including Milan and Sassuolo's humdinger and another controversial use of VAR in Lecce v Empoli. Plus, we wonder about Politano, look back at Italian clubs in Europe (including Atalanta's fabulous win at Anfield), and look at the race for promotion in Serie B, which devolves into a discussion about the richest owners in Italian football (who include the owners of Como and Cremonese...) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're both frustrated this week as we deal with Fiorentina's loss to Juve and Venezia's goalless draw at Ascoli. Plus, we discuss Juve's potential transfer market and one dubious signing in particular, and Marco launches a new conspiracy theory ahead of the Serie B playoffs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Marco's turn to feel the post-match pain as this was recorded fresh off Venezia's 3-2 home defeat to Reggiana. Elsewhere, we look back the Azzurri's American holiday and mention Tudor's good start at Lazio, wonder how bad Juve can get, and big up Atalanta as they head into a key part of their season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're all fans of Joel Pohjanpalo this week as we discuss another superlative performance from Venezia's Finnish hero. Plus, Inter-Napoli, new managers at Lazio and Lecce, and a look back at a good and bad week in Europe for Serie A clubs. Plus, Marco gets to ask again why Zaniolo has been called up for Italy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a tough one for one half of the podcast this week as we record immediately after Roma's late late equaliser in Florence. Plus - we discuss the Thomas Henry/D'Aversa headbutt, wonder again what Milan fans expect and discuss yet another big weekend in Serie B (and a big win for Venezia). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There were cards aplenty in Serie A this weekend - but was it down to poor refereeing or poor play? Plus, the shortest sub ever in Napoli v Juve, and Marco tries to dissect Como's last minute win against Venezia without having seen the game... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we discuss a couple of very special overhead kick goals (including a late winner for Venezia, which also served as another example of the 'reverse-curse' of our predictions), look back at Milan - Atalanta, and dream about the possibility of 7 Italian clubs in the Champions League next season... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.