Watching the World Cup in Roma

A friend of mine was in France four years ago during the time of the 2010 World Cup and she warned me before I left for Italia that the Europeans take the World Cup games very seriously. Things can get a little crazy around here! I was definitely in for a treat when I headed out to Piazza Madonna di Loreto last Saturday for the first Italia World Cup game. Italia was playing England and it was definitely a much anticipated game between two teams that rarely fails to impress the spectators.

Piazza Madonna di Loreto

Piazza Madonna di Loreto is conveniently located next to Piazza Venezia. There are plenty of bus stops  around the piazza so taking the bus to and from the game is a breeze. If the game is a late showing like the first Italia game then no worries because the night buses (all label with "n") run starting from midnight 'til 5am.

Coming from the US, the land of football and baseball, I was never a really big fan of soccer. But I loved the energy and the cheering crowds at Piazza Venezia. Everyone was all decked out in their Italia gear and flags. The crowd was energetic and enthusiastic but never got out of hand. I really appreciate the idea of getting together with friends and families over a meal or drink to watch a soccer game. It was definitely very different from tailgating for a football game!

Black Market Tiber

If you don't want to deal with the hassle of trying to find a spot in the crowd then another option is the Black Market Tiber right on the river bank of the River Tiber. Black Market is a bar based in the Monti area, but for the summer months they have another location right along the Tiber. The bar features not only a screening of the games but also live music, dj sets and aperitivi. Here you will get to mingle with a crowd of locals and expats and enjoy a classic World Cup game Italia style. I have to say I now have a new appreciation for soccer!