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An illustrated children’s book inspired by Sampdoria’s historic 1990-1991 Serie A title success has been translated into English. Once upon a Samp tells the story of Roberto (Mancini) and Luca (Vialli) who dream of winning against a team of seemingly unbeatable stronger kids on their neighbourhood field. The arrival of Grandpa Vuja, Mr. Paolo, and a hostContinue reading “Once upon a Samp: a children’s Scudetto story”

Juventus emerged victorious after prevailing on penalties over Milan in their first pre-season friendly in the USA. The Soccer Champions Tour match finished 2-2 after 90 minutes as Bianconeri defenders Danilo and replacement Daniele Rugani cancelled out goals from Malick Thiaw and Olivier Giroud. Matias Soule struck the winning spot kick as Juve won 4-3Continue reading “Three things we learned as Juventus defeat Milan in friendly win”

The undeviating rhythm of the waves almost drowns out the undesired audio buzz.  While the orange globe in the distance bestows warmth as the towering palm trees soak in the coastal breeze. The rippling strands of Pacific blue roll on in synchronized bursts.  It’s a glorious landscape that invigorates the senses. Observing and listening isContinue reading “Crisscrossing California: Oceanside surf”

Season overview Sampdoria were saved from the brink of bankruptcy and the lower leagues after being relegated in their worst ever top flight campaign. A group of investors led by Andrea Radrizzani and Matteo Manfredi sealed a late takeover as divisive owner Massimo Ferrero finally agreed to sell the Blucerchiati. The timing of the dealContinue reading “Sampdoria season review 2022-2023”

Season overview Napoli steamrollered through everyone in their path to claim an entirely unexpected and dominant third Scudetto. Weakened by the departures of captain Lorenzo Insigne, defensive stalwart Kalidou Koulibaly and iconic forward Dries Mertens the Partenopei were written off before the season began. Yet coach Luciano Spalletti seamlessly integrated new additions Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, KimContinue reading “Napoli season review 2022-2023”

Every clear out creates dilemmas. What to keep, if anything, and what to throw away? Procrastination dictated that the old shoe box in the cellar accumulated another layer of dust. The little men with the big heads would have to wait a little longer for their freedom after more than two decades enveloped in darkness.Continue reading “Corinthian collection: figuring out the football big heads”

Director: Charlotte Wells Starring: Paul Mescal, Frankie Corio Country of Origin: UK, USA Beneath the surface of an outwardly loving father-daughter relationship unsettling signs emerge. A package holiday in Turkey gives inquisitive eleven-year old Sophie (Frankie Corio) precious time with her father Calum (Paul Mescal) just before he turns 31. Only in fleeting windows doContinue reading “Aftersun (2022)”

Director: Yeon Sang-ho Starring: Kang Soo-yeon, Kim Hyun-joo, Ryu Kyung-soo Country of Origin: South Korea  In what is perhaps the most accomplished of the recent trend of large-scale, big budget South Korean sci-fi films, director Yeon Sang-ho delivers a stimulating, dystopian epic. Space Sweepers (2021) and Alienoid (2022) entered relatively uncharted genre territory with mixedContinue reading “Jung_E 정이 (2023)”

Directors: Paul Crowder, John Dower. Narrator: Matt Dillon Country of Origin: USA A packed Giants stadium. Over 70,000 fans enthusiastically anticipate another big game. Yet this is not American football, it’s a scene from a New York Cosmos soccer match in the 1970s. It’s both a thrilling and bewildering image.  How did the Cosmos attractContinue reading “Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos (2006)”