Every Four Years, I’m Insufferable 🇮🇹⚽

If you know me personally…

You already know what’s coming.

Every four years, I become absolutely unbearable.

The World Cup isn’t just another sporting event to me.

It’s a month-long excuse to chirp every one of my friends from every other country.

England?

Still “coming home”… apparently.

Portugal?

Sorry… I’ve never been able to jump on the Ronaldo train.

The banter is half the fun.

But when Italy walks onto that pitch…

Everything changes.

There’s no team I’d rather cheer for.

Unfortunately… we’ve also become experts at watching the World Cup from our couches.

Twelve years.

No World Cup appearance.

Brutal.

And trust me, nobody reminds me of that more than my buddies.

But here’s my response every single time…

Four stars.

Four World Cup trophies.

Only Brazil has more.

History matters.

Now… before the comments section explodes…

Yes…

I think Messi is the greatest footballer to ever play the game.

The vision.

The IQ.

The creativity.

The way he makes football look effortless…

For me, he’s the GOAT.

That being said…

I have a ton of respect for Cristiano Ronaldo.

His discipline is second to none.

His work ethic is unbelievable.

And the impact he’s had on football is something every athlete should respect, whether you’re a fan or not.

When Italy isn’t playing, I genuinely enjoy watching great football.

Germany has always earned my respect.

Argentina has become one of my favourite teams to watch.

And over the last few years, I’ve found myself cheering for countries I never used to pay much attention to.

Canada.

Colombia.

Mexico.

Watching those nations continue to grow has been awesome for the game.

At the end of the day, football has always been bigger than ninety minutes.

It’s family.

It’s tradition.

It’s screaming at the TV.

It’s texting your buddies after every goal.

It’s wearing your jersey like it somehow changes the outcome.

It’s celebrating together…

…and chirping each other relentlessly afterwards.

So if Italy qualifies next time around…

Consider this your warning.

I’m going to be absolutely intolerable.

Forza Azzurri.

And…

Fino Alla Fine. ⚫⚪