I once heard that the first World Cup of Football you watch, will set a refrence standard for your football understanding the rest of your life.

The Italia90 World Cup was my first true tournament I followed from start to finish. I did though have a intimate relationship with the documentary “Hero” from Mexico 1986 - that is another story.

The World Cup in Italy, was perhaps not the most exciting tournament, but I followed the Italians chew themselves through the tournament. Falling in love with Salvatore “Toto” Schillaci, Robert Vialli and Guiseppe Gianinni. And recalling the fierce semifinal in Napoli - Diego Maradona’s second home, between the hosts and Argentina.

I was amazed by the stadiums. Many of the rebuild for the tournament. My first images from San Siro and Luigi Ferraris. But one stood out. Renzo Pianos flying saucer or spaceship in Bari. Where a wounded gli Azzurri pulled home a consolation bronze after beating England 2-1.

Finally I’m in Bari and visit of this once super modern arena. The location - quite far out of town is a huge turnoff. I’m such a romantic and I prefer any day a stadium located somewhat in the city - close to or in a populated area. Approaching from North by car, the stadium rises in the distance. A fixed point on the horizon, the journey towards a fast growing monument. And here I contradict myself for the first time. A fascinating arrival.

Today - a Bari home Serie B fixture versus Südtirol, is far from a sellout. The Curva Nord is where the locals hang, and also my choice for entrance. As of most Serie B games - the action is not within the 90 minutes played. As per usual - I attend very little to the game on the pitch. I swarm the Curva - upper and lower tiers. The view is amazing from back row. Another contradiction here.

The sun is setting behind solid dark skies, and the december cold starts to crawl under my jacket and nip my toes. The away side snatches a late winner, and the Bari tifosi heads out through the parking lot, home to their hot pasta all assassinas.