Hello, you good good people.

Welcome to the Total Soccer Show.

My name is Ryan Bailey.

Thank you so much for joining me today.

On Monday's weekend review, I mentioned that I wanted to spend more time exploring Italian soccer.

So joining me today is a fine, fine gentleman who's very serious about Siri R, sorry, much like

a naturally aspirated V8 Ferrari engine. He's an Italian import you definitely want to hear.

It's ESPN commentator and pundit, Mateo Benetti. Mateo, how are you, sir?

Hopefully I have more longevity, though, than an Italian supercar. So thanks so much for that introduction.

And we'll try to keep it going a little more than what you could probably get out of your Ferrari or Lamborghini.

Oh, but the sound of that V8 and the sound of your voice, I equate them both with gloriousness.

That's why I wanted to introduce you like that, Mattaya.

I appreciate it, man. It's great to be back on, just for the people listening. We did our first ever video together a long time ago, I think, in 2013. So we go way back, but we've never seen each other in the flesh, which I'm still sorely disappointed about. I know. We're going to have to address that balance at some point. We are podcast and video buddies up until this point. But, you know, when this pandemic's done, Mateo, let's try and address that for sure. Why don't we start off, Matti, by talking about your story, your relationship with Italy, your relationship with Italian soccer, because you were born over there, right?

Yeah, so I was born in Milan and I moved to the

States to Miami when I was six years old. My Rossellneri connection goes way back. My grandfather from

71 to 73, he was the vice president of the club. So obviously, my dad became a fan. They were

interfans, actually, before that happened. So they switched allegiance as quite fast. And my dad became a fan. They were interfans actually before that happened. So they switched

allegiance as quite fast. And my dad always forced me to watch soccer. I hated it when I was a child.

It was in grainy black and white streams and shady restaurants in Miami Beach. There was only like

one or two Italian restaurants that showed the city in the 90s. So it was difficult to watch here in the States. I mean, it's only really in the 21st century that we got access to European football the way that we do now. So I always remember going to watch the match of the week with my dad. I hated it. I was a basketball fan when I was like 10. And then the passion

just overcame me before my teenage years. And, you know, I've been watching every single game,

every chance I can. I've been working now in the industry since I graduated from college in 2012.

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