Summer Reading Assignment

I know you guys think I probably only read books that require crayons, but I assure you that’s not the case. hah.

I’m about half way through John Foot’s new lengthy Calcio: A History of Italian Football. I recommend everyone pick it up if they can. Naturally, there are sections that are a bit too basic for the serious tifosi, but he does a great job of balancing facts, educational information and 100+ years of football in one book, which is not easy to do given the complexities of Italian culture and football. His description of ‘the relay’ — the debate over who should be the featured striker on the national team, made me chuckle considering all the discussion we’re having about Cassano, Inzaghi and what they’re worth. (And let’s face it, for some reason there never seems to be enough room for everybody up front! I blame Trappatoni.)

Foot’s socioeconomic history of Milan is a great book as well, if you’re interested in history and economics. And that’s all the plugging you’re gonna get from me, Mr. Foot, lest I get accused of being “on the payroll”.