Piazza di Siena 2009: Who’ll be cheering at the Nations Cup?

It’s Friday at the Nations Cup and Villa Borghese has come to life. After a sluggish opening Thursday – referred to the low turnout from the Rome public in the stands – the passion that surrounds this competition is moving Romans and tourists alike in the Eternal City to head towards the turnstyles at Piazzale delle Canestre. The stands will be packed and every available space will be claimed only to be able to peek at what will unfold at Villa Borghese. It is pointless mentioning how many years have passed since Italy last one an event at this special meet, so Rome and all sport fans have their fingers crossed once again for Azzurri success. This year the newly elected F.I.S.E. president Andrea Paul Gross has promised to go and count how many coins are in the Trevi Fountain if Italy lifts the cup. Naturally all Italy’s sports fans hope to be able to lend a hand should Gross lose count.