Euro 2008: Soccer Scenes From An Italian Grocery Store - Page 2

One man recalled Croatia defeat of Italy at the World Cup in 2002.

"Italy always knew of Croatia's quality. England overlooked it. They paid the price.” As everyone talked and ate, the occasional "oohs" and "ahhs" interrupted the flow of all discussions with each scoring chance created by either side.

Croatia strikes first.

"I told you!" the man shouts. "They're very good!"

No one is surprised.

Germany attempted to equalize before half time but failed.

Life goes on in this typical of Italian places. Indifferent people not interested in the match asked questions about the various items for sale. A man and his son speaking French looked for a table while carrying their food. As Dora attempted to clear a table for them I offer mine.

"Grazie," he said to me with a French accent.

"De rien," I replied.

For the others, the conversation shifted to Italy and what they needed to do to qualify for the next round. People are hopeful but sceptical.

Taking a few seconds from the busy lunch hour, Dora later spoke with the man and his son and she suddenly kissed the boy on the cheeks, "T'e pas mal cute!" (Quebec slang for “You’re so cute!”)

Soon enough in the second half, Croatia doubled their lead. The Germans are rattled. Croatia eventually wins 2-1.

Two giants have now been slain in one week.

Are we about to see another tiny nation take Euro 2008 by storm?

"Ma, fano bene." an old man who sat quietly for the whole match stated irreverently and walked out doing his best Count of Monte Cristo impression. (In any event, good for them.)

Several heads nod in agreement.

I got up and paid.

“You’re coming tomorrow, right?” Dora demanded.

I answered with a nod in the affirmative and a smile. Did I have a choice?

With that promise firmly in place and another game in the books, I walked out and wondered about the next fixture.

Article Author: Alessandro Nicolo

Alessandro Nicolo is an obtuse freelance writer living in obscene obscurity.

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