I am Italian too but soccer bores the piss out of me. I am not saying they aren't athletic, they are great athletes. But anyone who can run can hold his own on a soccer field. Any "sport" that can be played co-ed doesn't deserve to be called a sport. Its a game. Like bowling, golf or poker.
In my day here is how kids ended up in soccer
Can he throw? No.
Can he catch? No.
Can he hit? No.
Can he run? Oh he can run his ass off.
Soccer.