It's no exaggeration to say that Italy is united once every four years - and it wouldn't be daft to say Calcio (soccer) is both the catalyst and the means for violence and unification.

People often say: "Italy is beautiful, but full of Italians." The derby games (inter-city, regional team rivalries) exemplify the very nerve centre of deep-seated hatred and xenophobic tendencies that afflict the fanatic fan or Ultra. It would be safe to say that pride and prejudice run deep in the veins of this country.

The great Garibaldi had in his heart a unified Italy. A noble and monstrous task given that rival cities would often cheer and even aid the invasions of Normands, French, Spanish, Muslims, etc etc... yes, anything for the opportunity to burp a laugh at your adversaries' expense.

Italy was unified under the pretence that it is better to agree with a man who has command over a thousand volunteer guards than to risk death over words.

Not just any man, mind you. I think I can comfortably say that Garibaldi could have travelled alone, for this is a hard man, gleened from the very bowels of unpolished rock and schooled in the ways of war. This man has brought death upon many, anyone with the gift of reason would not wish it upon himself.

This is pretty much how the country stands today with the exception that a city's colours fly on the backs of 11 athletes set for 90 minutes of sport.