By Shadia El-Dardiry The Italian Recreational Centre in Cairo, better known as CRI, usually keeps its doors closed until the evening. But last Thursday, as Italy were getting ready to play the Czech Republic in a match which would determine whether they would make it to the second round of the World Cup, the centre was very much alive despite it still being afternoon. Half an hour before the kickoff Italians began to trickle in, ordering drinks and food and trying to find the best seats possible. Most tables around the large screen were already reserved since the previous match against the US, informed one of the waiters working in the dining room. Italy's passion for football is evident even in Egypt. Despite the enthusiasm that filled the room, not all is well when it comes to Italy and football and the country's performance in the World Cup. Even before the knockout stage, in which Italy barely beat the not so fancied Australians, and with the help of a dubiolus penalty at that, most Italians were appalled by Italy's playing. They were especially frustrated by the 1-1 draw against the US where Italy scored an own goal and jeopardised their position in the tournament. Frederica Cavasino, one of the Italians enjoying the game with her family, told Al-Ahram Weekly, "Italy would surely play better against the Czechs than against the USA, because they couldn't possibly play any worse." It seems that Cavasino's views reflect those of most fans, football experts or not. Italy's 2-0 win against the Czech Republic sent the Azzurri into the second round, but the majority of Italians remained critical of the team's performance even during the match. Unhappy comments were made when Francesco Totti missed some important opportunities to score, or whenever Italy lost a ball. Antonello Zicconi, although happy with Italy's win, noted that Italy "played to win, but they didn't play well." For Zicconi, who is married to an Egyptian and works in an Italian service company, Italy's main concern was to finish first in its Group E so as to avoid playing against Brazil. Memories of the 1994 World Cup final when Brazil beat Italy on penalties clearly still linger in the air -- 10 years later Italian still feel that chances of winning against Brazil are slim. While Italy may not have necessarily been playing well, they have demonstrated a change of attitude from previous years. As Giovanna d'Afozzo noted, "they usually put one goal in and then relax for the rest of the match." The Italian team historically has a reputation for being overly smug. However against the Czechs, the Italians maintained a somewhat consistent offence, allowing them to score a second goal minutes before the end of the game, albeit the fact the Czechs were playing a man short. For most Italians, at the recreational centre as well as outside, there is little hope for Italy to win the World Cup this year despite having excellent players. Asked whether Italy might win, the most common answer is a shake of the head and a fatalistic "no." Teenage Italians, however, seem to have more confidence in the Italian team than the older generations -- confident that players such as Totti, Nesta, and Cannavaro have what it takes to bring Italy to the finals along with Buffon as one of the world's best goalkeepers. For d'Afozzo, winning the World Cup would be welcomed by Italians not only because they are a nation with a passion for football, but because it would raise the morale of the people in light of the recent match-fixing scandal which has shaken the Italian football league. Hopes are slight among Italians in Egypt, but this does not prevent them from setting time aside to watch the matches, from cheering on their players, and from hoping for an unexpected victory. After all, World Cup tournaments are always filled with both pleasant and unpleasant surprises.
