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In case you are wondering where exactly I was. I am referring to one of the best football stadium that hosted a world cup final. Rome’s ‘Stadio Olimpico’.This majestic stadium is home to the football team that I supported since I was 11.

Rome, Italy -  Nigel proudly displaying the Lazio Scarf at the Olimpico di Roma Stadium,

Saturday, February 14, 2009   Italian Serie A Week 24 Lazio - Torino

‘SS Lazio’, or affectionately known as the ‘Biancoceleste’ (White and Blue in English) were playing Torino on week 24 in the Serie A championship and I was in Rome to witness this clash that I’ve planned since 6 months ago.

Pacing up the stairs and entering the stadium for the first time was like ‘A gulp of fresh air’. The sight of the stadium that greeted me was explosive! It is definitely more beautiful than what I see on the television. Speechless at that point of time, I suddenly felt so closely connected to the team that I have cheered and cried for all these years. It was emotional. It was beyond words. It was so powerful that I was shedding tears of joy. I said to myself,

            “It is worth it even if it means I am going to freeze to death”.

Having said all that, my childhood dream would not have been realized if not for the help of Paolo. Like me, he supports Lazio and is a true native Roman. I met Paolo in the forum on laziofever.com. A website for all English speaking Lazio fans all over the world.

Ermetico (His nickname) answered to my SOS call, as I was worried that I could not get ticket for the match due to last minute changes on the fixture, by the Italian Federation. He helped me to get the ticket I needed and even drove me to the stadium for the match. It was also during the journey that I discovered that he is a stadium announcer for Lazio and offered to introduce me to the players after the game!!

I have only just thought of catching the game and never in my bloody life, would I expect to meet the players in person! It sure was a pleasant surprised and I was touched by his kind and humble gesture. I mean he has never even met me prior to this and he can go to such extent to help a fellow Lazio fan whom he met on the internet. This is just fantastic!

Whistles were coming in from every part of the stadium except for The Torino fans segregated at one section, who were ecstatic. The Lazio supporters including me were in a sense of disbelieve.

Torino had taken the lead with their first shot of the game!

From some distance, I could see Paolo with his head sunk on the table. A cross that was half-cleared by Ousmane Dabo fell to the feet of Ignazio Abate, who took two steps forward and unleashed a rocket from the D that slotted into the near bottom corner. We did try to fight back but former Lazio custodian, Matteo Sereni, denied Siviglia’s angle drive brilliantly. It was a poor performance and the team were jeered off the pitch during the interval.

Stefano Mauri replaced Dabo who was responsible for the Torino goal in the 2^nd half. Within 90 seconds, Mauri had set up a chance for Lazio’s hit man Pandev, who fell as he tried to cut into the box, but the referee waved play on. No penalty to the dismay of all Lazio fans!! Insults aimed at the referee could be heard everywhere! Especially this old man who was seated just behind me.

‘Bastardo!’ ‘Va vancullo!’ He shouted.   And no, I think I had better not translate that.  

There was comical relief in the game when Kolarov, Lazio’s left back’s powerful volley stung the referee’s face! The referee tried to get up but dropped to the ground immediately. I had this scene captured live on my cam. Hahaha...After waves and waves of attack, we did manage to equalize through some bizarre circumstances though. Lazio Captain, Rocchi flicked on a corner kick for Mauri's miscued overhead kick, but Siviglia headed the ball into the net from six yards at the near post.

1-1! And I was up on my feet as I shouted myself hoarse!! I could hear ‘Non Molllare Mai’ (Do not give up) being chanted from the ‘Curva Nord’ (North Stands) where the Ultras were seated. The atmosphere though was still very tense as we were on a four games losing streak and if we loses this game, we would be in trouble.

However, the scorer of the equalizer, Siviglia ran to where the Lazio Ultras were seated, and put his hands behind his ears as though trying to tell the fans that he cannot hear them. Apparently, this goal celebration angered the fans who were outstanding all night long. Whistles soon could be heard whenever Siviglia had the ball and suddenly it all seemed so strange.

The match ended  Lazio 1 - 1 Torino and the whistles grew louder. I met up with Paolo who tried to bring me into the press conference room. However, there was no way we could get in as security personnel were present to stop any angry fans from attacking the president, Claudio Lotito. He is not a popular figure at the moment. Paolo explained that Siviglia was booed because he was taunting the Lazio Ultras and apparently, he had chosen the wrong time to do such an antic. The situation was tense after the game and there goes my change to meet the president and all the players. I was unlucky!! Arrgh..

Paolo, who is such an amazing man, told me to wait outside the gates where the players will come out. He is trying his last attempt to grab the players to take a picture with me. From there, I could see members of the Irriducibile (Lazio Hardcore group) standing outside waiting for Siviglia. Police were everywhere and this Singaporean was freezing his ass off while waiting patiently.

Just as I was giving up hope, Paolo emerged with Fernando Muslera (Lazio’s goalkeeper) and we were introduced. He is really friendly and we shook hands and had a photo taken. I was over the moon!

I later got to take meet 2 other players in Matuzalem and Swiss international defender, Stephan Lichtsteiner who spoke English and even wished me ‘Good evening’.  In addition, I was really struck by their humble and sincere attitude. This is 1 experience in my life that I will never ever forget.

I got to meet three Lazio players in person and had photos taken. It is unbelievable! For me, it is beyond words.

We went for supper with a group of Paolo’s friends after that. Win or lose, these people will meet up for a get-together after every home match. I was introduced to several Lazio’s Radio Deejays as Gan, the ‘Fan from Singapore’.  I do not know if they might find it weird as would why someone from the other side of the planet support Lazio. J But for me, I enjoyed every second of this ‘Get together’ as I truly admire and applaud the camaraderie and love they possess for the club. The club that I will always be in my heart until I die. ‘SS Lazio.’

Nigel.

Forza Lazio