If you live in a town where there is absolutely no one of any Italian blood ANYWHERE in their background... I'll let you know that Azzurri won yesterday, in extra time, 2-0. The first FABIO-lous goal sent the Regal Bistro on St. Clair West into pandemonium. And before the  reality had even sunk in that they were actually on their way to the final, another dazzling goal  nailed the coffin shut on Germany. No ugly business this game, no questionable calls at the end, nothing for the Italians to be accused of, except, maddeningly for their opponents, superior play.

Now I'm not just saying all this because our friend Rocco was with us again, even though about half way through I realized that if Italy lost, we would be stuck either with a catatonic Rocco or using the CPR I just recertified for. No one, I repeat, no one we have watched with over the past three weeks of soccer, has kept their eye so glued to each play as Rocco. He and coach Lippi knew what was happening at all times.

But fortunately for Rocco, for us, and for the thousands of fans around this city, they will live to see another day. The Big Day. Already I am bracing for the euphoria, or the melancholia. Someone in our World Cup travels, I've forgotten now who, said that only last year did the number of Chinese immigrants in Toronto surpass the Italians. H-O-N-K !!!!!!
ciao for now