I'm been studying abroad in Rome for the past month and a half, an experience I recommend to everyone. Besides the culture, food, wine, art, and crazy Euro-techno clubs, one of my best tastes of Italy came the other night when I went to the Champions League match between AS Roma and Lyon. Now I love going to games in the US, and in my mind, nothing rivals a Saturday afternoon at the Big House, but the spectacle of a soccer (calcio) match at Stadio Olimpico was tough to match. Just like at UofM, when the band marches across the field with Hail to the Victors and 100,000 strong pump their fists in the air, Roma fans belt in unison their anthem, whistling and screaming. Supporters are of every age, each wrapped in a scarf of the Roma crest. During a great offensive push, the crowd resounds, "Ayyy, Roma, Ayyy," a deafening chant, willing the score of a goal. Soccer supporters are just like college football fans in that no matter how great or poor their team performs they will never relent in their passion for their squad. Forza Roma!

This post was originally written by sam
University of Michigan · Economics · 22 Feb 2007