Italian Football Books

This is an absolutely essential book for fans of Italian football. An account of the 2000-2001 season, it follows the trials and scarce rewards of life as a Verona fan, as the team struggled against relegation. (We must spare a thought for Parks and his slightly twisted comrades in the light of the last season's failure). Parks has written several good books full of insights about life in Italy, from the point of view of an Englishman who has lived in Verona for years. In this book he offers a journey into the psyche of fandom in Italy, with all the obssession, passion, love, hate, violence, bitterness, prejudice, conspiracy theories and comradeship that make the experience so unique.

Wildly amusing and absolutely fascinating, it made me laugh out loud, wince with understanding and immediately determine to lend it to all my friends. It provides a deep understanding of calcio from the fan, player and business point of view. And I've started examining refereeing decisions in a whole new light.

Promises to be a fascinating read, for England fans, Lazio fans, and anyone interested in the art of football management. This unlikely Swedish hero tells his theories on the creation of a successful team, based on his experiences - his most recent trophy, of course, being Lazio's scudetto. Given the apparent disintegration of the team after his departure, it should be interesting to read how he applied his intellectual approach at Formello.

Intrigue, drama and football the Italian way as tiny Castel di Sangro made it to Serie B. I haven't read it, but it's on my birthday-present list. Saw their team coach at a service station one weekend.

Confrontations with Ron Atkinson and almost all his other managers, pursuit of teammates with dead fish... if you haven't already read this autobiography you have a treat in store for you. Italian friends tell us that the English version of this book is much better than the Italian; one of my personal favourites is the photo of a youthful di Canio posing proudly in front of some anti-Roma graffiti. 'I did this' he proudly informs the reader. What is politely termed 'a character', di Canio grew up with the Lazio Ultras and remains their idol to this day. He embodies the principal characteristics of hardcore Lazio fans, and even after his successful years in the UK, it was his name the Curva Nord brandished on banners when things were going badly. He was welcomed back rapturously when he finally returned to his home team.

Milan's giant Dutch defender in his own words. The original, controversial version of this autobiography was reportedly what prompted Stam's move from Manchester United to Lazio; now the book has been updated to include the rows with Alex Ferguson after the original publication.

From stealing milk bottles in Wales to lifetime glory at Lazio. This is the story of Lazio legend Giorgio Chinaglia, star of the first Scudetto-winning side in 1974.

An insightful account of a year in the life of Parma. The season was 1997-1998, the manager was Carlo Ancelotti, and author Burke speaks with the outspoken coach, with players, officials and fans, to paint a (blue and yellow) picture of life at the club.