My first Italian love

Most of us had their first Italian crush for Monica Belluci, Ferrari or Pizza, but mine was Societa Sportiva Napoli. The San Paolo stadium, worn out completely for years but still a dome for immense atmosphere, even when they played in Serie C1. But it can get really spooky over there, and it has the shadow of Diego Armando Maradona that still wanders around there, even when he is in Argentina. He made the club and that was exactly when I was at an age where my true interest for football started. At the age of 5 or 6 years old. So my first official replica football jersey, was a light blue SS Napoli one. I still have it, but of course it doesn't fit me any more.

Now tonight, Napoli comes to Belgium, to play our "beheaded" champions of the Jupiler Pro League, Koninklijke Racing Genk in Limburg. Limburg is the region where most Italians or offspring of Italians live in Belgium. They came here to work in the coal mines in the late 40's and 50's. And now they are the heart of the supporting clan of Genk. So it will be a very interesting game for the supporters. Some will probably support both teams... Hopefully it's a really friendly atmosphere tonight.

And then there are the bookmakers. Some give Genk almost no chance to win or to get a draw. Which is quite harsh. Because Napoli hasn't won an away Champions League game since the Champions League was invented. So maybe getting 5 times your money back for a draw isn't such a wrong bet after all...

Good luck, Racing!

Sincerely,

Pele23