If you want to gag an Italian, simply tie their hands behind their back is how the old joke goes. This is, of course, totally wrong, as Italian football commentators have gone about proving ever since James Richardson and Football Italia reminded British football fans that the sport was played outside of England. The godfather of all television overreactions is Tiziano Crudeli, whom you will recognise even if you don't know his name:
There is a new rival to Crudeli's throne. Listen to the total breakdown commentator Carlo Zampa as he presided over what might prove to be Francesco Totti's final goal for Roma:
هدف الملك فرانشيسكو توتي في مرمى اتلانتا بتعليق كارلو زامبا
ملك روما لم يمت بعد ! pic.twitter.com/sgIL1pVWj2
— ROMANO (@romanooo81) April 17, 2016
The commentator's scream is a fantastic example of ecstasy tinged with lamentation, as he approaches 40, Totti may not be playing for much longer, and is no longer first choice, meaning he won't have many more opportunities to score for Roma.
The screams of 'Capitano' feels like a kind of valedictory, 'O Captain, My Captain' farewell to Totti. The captain made his debut for Roma 23 years ago, and has scored 301 goals for the club in that time.
A marvellous moment.
