Roma World No. 12: Australia

Name: Shane Maloney
Age: 40
City: Brisbane
Country: Australia

Where did you grow up?

"Toowoomba, Australia."

Why did you choose Roma?

"I was living in England during Euro 2000 and was exposed to "Fantasy Football" via work colleagues. As a rugby league player, it was all new to me and someone mentioned an up-and-coming player for Italy called Francesco Totti. So I did some research and was impressed. I then found out we shared the same birthday (albeit I was a year older) and I was sold. Totti went on to have a magnificent tournament and Italy were sadly beaten by France in the final. When I then resigned from my role at work, the staff gave me an Italian jersey with ‘Totti 20’ on it. I loved it and still have it to this day.

"Upon returning to Australia, I shared the story with my family about Totti, Italy and Roma and it seems it made a lasting impression on my youngest brother Kieren. He then became enamoured with La Maggica and kept the flame alive."

What is your first memory of Roma?

"Undoubtedly, a visit to a Roma game at the Olympico with my brother Paul in 2001. We'd been traveling the world and a highlight was a visit to Rome and seeing Roma live. They didn't disappoint and we had a joyous feeling when we celebrated with the fans who welcomed us two young Aussies."

Who was your first Roma hero and why?

"Always and only Totti. His performance in Euro 2000 was outstanding and it was really just the beginning of many more amazing performances I would witness over the years."

Who has been your favourite Roma manager and why?

"Without a doubt Claudio "The Tinkerman" Ranieri. He is a true gentlemen and masterful tactician. To see him doing well with Leicester against the heavyweights in England reminds me of what he was capable of at Roma.

"I should also mention the crazy times of Zdenek Zeman's second stint at Roma as a highlight, albeit in a heart-racing, edge of your seat kind of way."

What has been your lowest point supporting Roma?

"Losing to Sampdoria at the hands of Cassano (one of our very own) which led to our loss of grip on the Scudetto in 2009/10 was as cruel as they come. Not only that, but Inter Milan went on to do the treble with the immodest Mourinho at the helm. It was a gut-wrenching feeling and I felt so much for the players, but especially, Totti, De Rossi and the manager Ranieri. It felt like one of many enormous injustices we have suffered over the years and yes, I am probably very biased."

Have you been to a Roma match?

"I've been to the Stadio Olimpico in 2001 with my brother Paul and then to Brescia in 2010 with my girlfriend at that time. It was a bit of crazy experience, as I wore my Roma jersey and was almost assaulted by the Brescia fans. Fortunately, some fans got me to hide the jersey under my shirt and some police and security guards came to our rescue by escorting us to the "Away" section where 30 brave Roma fans were stunned to see our grand arrival. It was the scariest experience of my life.

"I should also mention that my brother Kieren has been to three matches at the Stadio in 2011/12 against Cagliari, Inter and Fiorentina. A true highlight was when he and his girlfriend got into the Curva Sud to the bemusement of the locals. This quickly turned to admiration and love when he sang loudly the entire "Roma, Roma, Roma!" theme song word for word with them. They saw Inter get thrashed on a day that snowed for the first time in 26 years. Who would complain about that?

"Finally, we went with our two nephews and brother-in-law to Roma's exhibition games in Melbourne, Australia last year against Manchester City and Real Madrid. Such a highlight to meet the other Aussie Roma fans and share stories."

Where were you when Roma last won the Scudetto?

"I was somewhere deep in South America with my brother Paul, so I feel like I missed it in a way. Fortunately, Kieren was following by then, so he could enjoy the success."

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

"It is very passionate, but it is very small. Melbourne and Sydney have larger supporter bases because there is a larger Italian heritage in those cities and a much stronger support for football than here in the north. One thing I do know though, is the passion is like no other. We celebrate and suffer together. That's what it is all about. Many times we have gotten up at 5am and made our coffees to settle in to watch Roma in Serie A. The timezone is horrendous for us here in Australia, so we appreciate the games we get to see."

Which team do you most enjoy seeing Roma beat?

"Ha ha, I'm sure this is the same for everyone - Juventus and Lazio."

What makes Roma so special to you?

"Everything. It is the club of the Eternal City. It is filled with history in an historic centre of the world. The club has strong characters, on and off field turmoil, amazing victories, horrible defeats, drama with the management, challenges with the ultras and a relentless media. Roma inspires passion and pride, laughter and tears. It is not one of the big money clubs that can spend effortlessly every year and yet it competes... even when it shouldn't. It will always be a special club because it punches above its weight."

What does Totti mean to you?

"The spirit of Rome. Heart and soul. It will be strange when he retires. Like so many others I've only known Totti and Roma together. "No Totti, No Party" as they say. I think it's nice we share a birthday. Makes me feel like there is some small connection. His legacy will last forever and I hope that he can look back in years to come and feel content."

Who is your favourite current player and why?

"So difficult to say. De Rossi's passion is extraordinary and yet I love the way Florenzi has continued the tradition of Romans playing for Roma with all their heart. Too hard to decide. Of course the real answer is Totti, but I felt the question deserved a longer answer."

If you could meet anyone connected to Roma - past or present - who would it be and why?

"Totti. There is no why. It would be an honour."

What makes you most proud to be a Roma supporter?

"They always seem to be the underdog. And they've suffered a lot. Yet they keep fighting and everyone that comes to Roma as a player seems to fall in love with the club, the city and the fans. To me, that says a lot. I mean Bogdan Lobont rarely gets game time, but he doesn't want to leave! I wouldn't leave either."

Finally, what would be your perfect day as a Roma fan?

"To go to the opening match at Roma's new stadium with my brothers and nephews and meet Totti and the players. And then win the match... preferably against Juventus. And then celebrate wildly. I think we can actually make that happen."

Brisbane Roma fans can get in touch with my brother Kieren via Twitter: @vivalakiz