Last Sunday, there was a great anticipation from the Italians as the country’s football team eyes for the trophy. Flags were hanging outside of their residence windows to show support to the team. Football is a big thing for Italians or in the whole of Europe. It is not only their national sport but they considered it as their ‘religion’, in its literal sense - people would fight and ready to die for it. In fact, many of them prefer to attend or watch football matches than to participate in Sunday liturgy or other Church activities.
It was such a big thing that the ‘Roma commune’ had set up huge screens in three different ‘piazzi’ to gather the people and cheer for their team. The spirit of sheer excitement was up in the air; people joyfully carried their flags and for some had their flag painted on their faces. Happy faces were everywhere – in the streets, metros and parks. The obvious sense of nationalism was just something to behold. Even for an Asian and not a fan of football like me, such an experience was truly inspiring.
However the downside of all these came after they’ve lost to their opponents. The hope and jubilation of the Italians were shattered after the game. They took it seriously that I met people in the subway with their unhappy faces and some of them even crying. My friends and I who are most of the time carry a joyful spirit had to remind ourselves at that moment to be discreet in order not to create or send a wrong impression that we celebrate their loss. Such a moment is as important as the moment before the game, only that now it caters sympathy.
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