Roma World No.20: Boston

Name: Patrizio M. Urciuoli
Age: 36
City: Boston
Country: USA

Where did you grow up?

“I grew up in Nettuno, a town 60km from Rome. Nettuno is the native city of one of the symbols of AS Roma, Bruno Conti. I moved to Rome after high school and later on moved to Boston.”

Why did you choose Roma?

“Is there any other team to support for someone raised near Rome? As far as I know, it is the ONLY professional team from Rome so it was a very simple and obvious choice!”

What is your first memory of Roma?

“It’s difficult to isolate in my mind which one was exactly the first memory but I can certainly say that one of the most emotional moments was my first time to support the team from Curva Sud. I still remember the majesty of the Stadio Olimpico suddenly opening up in front of my eyes after the big flight of stairs.

"Thousands of flags and the best supporters in the word singing loudly to the rhythm of the huge drums from the commando ultra Curva Sud - amazing and unforgettable. I can also tell you which was, by far, the best memory, ‘lo Scudetto’ 2001 and the huge celebrations with hundreds of thousands of people celebrating on the streets for months and the massive celebration at Circo Massimo with more than a million tifosi!”

Who was your first Roma hero and why?

“Growing up in Nettuno, Bruno Conti was obviously my first hero. Not only was he one of the best players in the world but he also won what was at that point the last Scudetto of AS Roma. Moreover he was a world champion. It was easy for him to become the hero of all the town's kids.”

Do Roma have a passionate fan base in the city you live?

“Yes. Roma supporters are always very passionate – it doesn’t matter if it’s 10, 100 or thousands. The Roma Club of Boston has a good core group of tifosi and friends. Also Boston, being a big sport city, with many students from around the world, has always had a fair turnaround of visitors, students, tourists and that’s not forgetting the big community of Italians in the north end.”

What makes Roma so special to you?

“AS Roma is special for millions of reasons. It’s the team of the capital city, the team of the Roman Empire, the eternal city, the most passionate and loud supporters in the world. Contrary to other teams, AS Roma is supported not because we win but supported by pure, unspoiled passion for the team.”

What does Totti mean to you?

"Totti means AS Roma for the supporters. Totti is the best player Roma have had in the entire history of the team. He’s the number one in Italian soccer history. I honestly doubt Roma or any other team will ever have a player like Totti again. A story and career like his is unrepeatable. We will always be grateful for his loyalty. He is one of us.”

Who is your favorite current player and why?

“Capitano mio Capitano, Francesco Totti. There is not a sufficient word to describe why. He is AS Roma. He is from Rome. He is the most talented and best Italian player. Alongside il Capitano, I support and appreciate all the passionate players that give 100% on the field such as Daniele De Rossi, Alessandro Florenzi, Kevin Strootman and Radja Nainggolan.”

What makes you most proud to be a Roma supporter?

“Win or lose, Roma supporter will always be with AS Roma and that’s the single most important reason to be proud to be Roma supporter. Forza sempre Magica Roma.”

Follow on Twitter @romaclubboston