True Tifosi

Lately I've been feeling really connected to my southern italian roots.  Maybe it's because I've found MHZ on local TV and have absolutely falled in love with the series Montalbano.  Or maybe it's because I'm a mom now and most of my cooking is definately on the southern side.  Or maybe it's because my all-time favorite soccer team, Napoli, is going through a Renaissance.  It's easy to see how I would fall in love with Napoli.  I'm from the City, and as a kid, there wasn't much soccer and no cable - at least in my neighborhood. So my first taste of futbol was on channel 26, Sunday was RAI day and before Rafaella, it was all about the calcio.  Thank heavens for channel 26!!  My mom was my guide because she was true tifosi.  Come on now!  It was the 80's and DIEGO was making the headlines, dancing on that field, and bringing the crowd to its feet.  I can't foget the time Diego went north, and they had a sign for him saying, "Welcome to Italy."  Like the south wasn't considered part of the kingdom.  Well so much for being from the wrong part...there's hell of us and we are amazing!!!  And then I can't forget the time I was in Naples at a club and they heard my mom was from Argentina.  The whole club got into  a line and started chanting, "l'ho fatto maradonna."  Grazie San Diego!  And now, to see Igauin taking that field on like it's his own, ohhhh, I know my Napoli is alive!!!  Igauin, isos un grande!  Forza Napoli, ti amo!