‘I’ve never seen passion like I witnessed on Saturday night’

“I have been to many games around the world and seen many sports played but I’ve never seen passion like I witnessed on Saturday night."

- Vic Barichello

After travelling 30 hours to get to the game from his home city of Melbourne, Barichello spoke to asroma.com about a night he won’t forget in a hurry….

“I watch Serie A on a regular basis back home with a group of friends – the time zones are not too friendly for us so it is not unusual for us to meet up at 2am or 3am to watch Serie A matches. I guess we are like most fans, we yell at the TV and suggest coaching moves.”

Why, as an Australian, on the other side of the world, did you pick Roma?

“I’ve always had a soft spot for Roma – not sure why, but it was always the team I knew and let’s face it, Totti played there. Serie A is featured on some podcasts I listen to – the best one in Australia is Santo, Sam and Ed, they are on twitter as @SantoSamEd - I would suggest you interview them as they are very good and give the game and Serie A a wonderful representation in Australia.

“This was not actually the first time I have seen Roma play – the first time was actually in Melbourne at MCG, when they took part in an International exhibition tournament. Believe it or not, I actually flew into Melbourne from Europe to attend that match.

“I was in Rome towards the end of 2016 and was invited to a ‘special Saturday night out’, which I thought would be an intimate candle lit romantic dinner – little did I know that I would be sitting in the middle of Rome, in an Irish pub, with about 100 people watching Milan v Roma – it was a wonderful night and the entire pub sang ‘Roma, Roma, Roma’. From that moment on, I had a team.”

What made you want to go and watch Roma last weekend?

“A friend of mine organised the tickets a while ago – he knew I was coming to Europe for work and suggested I fly into Rome and attend the match together. The opportunity to attend a Serie A match at the Stadio Olimpico and see Roma was too good – I had to go. I would have loved to have seen Totti play, but seeing the team in their home ground was wonderful. I was impressed with the level of promotion around the game too – there were promotional girls throughout Rome on Friday and Saturday in the team kit.”

When did you arrive in Rome?

“I arrived on Friday afternoon from Australia - which is not that close and took over a day in travel time. The jet lag was put on hold for the game.”

If Roma is now your favourite Italian team – who is your team in Australia?

“I am a Melbourne Victory fan – and became a member of the Victory before their very first game and have been ever since. I attend all their home games and follow the team closely.

“I’m lucky to work near the Victory’s training base and home ground – I usually see the players and coaches on a regular basis at the local cafes and stores – it is somewhat surreal to see them during the week and then watch them play on weekends.

“Our fans are pretty active - we have the biggest supporter base in the league and are known for our songs and chants.”

How did the atmosphere compare to English games you have been to

“I have seen many games in England featuring clubs such as Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Everton and Chelsea. The atmosphere of those games were pretty good too but they were in full or near capacity venues BUT nothing can compare to what I witnessed on Saturday – and the venue was only about 30% full. I would love to see a derby and experience the fans then.”

What did you think of the Roma fans support and passion for their side?

“I have been to many games around the world and seen many sports played but I’ve never seen passion like I witnessed on Saturday night. The fans were loud…VERY LOUD. Their chants, the level of activity was amazing – it was passion beyond belief. The fans were like the team’s 12th player – I had to record them as no one would believe me if I told them just how impressive they were. I loved their songs and the chants to the opposing team and supporters – I know it was all meant in good fun.”