Fiorentina file

Pepito Rossi was in the stand last night, watching our 2-0 victory over Chievo in the Cup. The Italian Cup has the status of the Capital Cup. I am sure that overseas players in the Premier League do not understand the traditions of your FA Cup. Rossi will fly out to Colorado to be assessed by the surgeon Steadman, regarded as the best knee expert in the world.

I read with interest the article on video technology. My fear is that the beauty of football is its continuity and that could be ruined by frequent stoppages for referees to refer decisions to a panel in the stand . Besides, how will your managers cope if they do not have a referee to blame?

In the big game last Sunday, Juventus beat Roma 3-0, the victory sounds like a one sided match. In fact Roma did play well – their midfielders Stroodman and Pjanic were impressive – but even more was the Juve defence in which Chielini, in my opinion the best defender in the world, was outstanding. Many years ago I was dining in New York with an American tycoon who was a collector of art. We were at the Mulino restaurant which was then the most fashionable joint in town. The tycoon’s wife did not like the place and made this clear to the Maitre D who took the order. Recognising his accent I asked the Maitre if he supported Roma who are known as the Lupi (wolves) as legend has it that Romulus and Remus were born to a wolf. The maitre said proudly he was. I responded

“Forza Roma, forza Lupi,

son passati I tempi cupi”

which translates as “Come on Roma  come on the Wolves, the bad times are over.”

The whole ambience changed and the evening was rescued. Such is the power of football.