Mug Shots

September 26th, 2011 | by: elaine | Comments Off

Sometimes I let my imagination get the best of me, and today is no exception. Perusing through pictures of the Azzurri, I wondered what various players would say about what it means to them to play for Italy. So without further ado, here is what they… I mean my imagination… told me…

Domenico Criscito

Are you kidding? I play in Russia now. It’s not even winter yet and I am already regretting my decision. Playing with the Azzurri means speaking a language that does not have Cyrillic characters, eating the best food in the world, and playing a level of football that only Italians can. I consider myself lucky to be called up and hope to make sure Prandelli never regrets his decision.

Daniele DeRossi

2006. Every footballer dreams of such a moment, and yet how few of us can say that we actually lifted the World Cup trophy? But winning is addictive. After missing out on a repeat last year and going home so early, I want to win Euro 2012 so badly next year, it hurts. I will do anything I can to help the team achieve this, even keeping my elbows to myself.

Andrea Pirlo

When I first told my parents I wanted to be a footballer, they were kind enough to humor me. But I think they always imagined that I would eventually do something respectable or act like someone who comes from means should. This drove me to prove them wrong and to be the best, but playing club ball wasn’t enough. To truly prove what I could achieve, I needed to play for my country. Wearing the Azzurri blue shows everyone that football is a respectable livelihood, and it’s freaking awesome, too.

Gianluigi Buffon

Are you kidding me? I have a beautiful wife and 2 amazing kids at home. I play my club football for the most successful domestic club in Italy. Why would I bother playing for Italy? Because it is the very best thing in this world that anyone could ever achieve. To represent Italy, the greatest footballing nation ever, is better than fame, fortune, family or any other type of success. Hearing the national anthem before each match is better than falling in love. It is the ultimate in this life, and I am the luckiest man alive.

Antonio DiNatale

Ummm… you mean what was it like to play for Italy? Why don’t you ask Lippi? Remember that guy? He used to call me up. I’ve been the freaking capocannoniere in Serie A for 2 years running, and this Prandelli guy won’t give me a shoutout. I mean, what more can I do? But seriously, playing for Italy was better than winning the lottery. I will always be proud to have worn the Azzurri blue. It is every footballer’s dream, and I lived it, even if I only got a few caps. I will be forever grateful and proud to have played for Italy.

So, while we’re dreaming, if you were called up to the Azzurri, what do you think you would say if someone asked you what it means to play for Italy? Best answer gets to train with the Azzurri for a day… in my dreams.

Elaine dreams of a Twitter-free society. But until then, you should follow her @ItaliaWCB just to annoy her.