In this special episode, we dive into the heart of American football in Italy with Estra Guelfi Firenze, one of the premier teams in the Italian Football League. Founded in 2000, the Guelfi have become a powerhouse in the growing European football scene, known not just for their grit on the gridiron, but also for their deep ties to the local community. To celebrate their 25th anniversary and a spectacular season thus far, I sat down with with the team’s General Manager, Edoardo Cammi, Captain Gianluca Santini, and newest wide receiver, Frankie Stola to talk about everything football. Frankie is a recent U.S. import with a story that’s almost too good to be true: he’s the son of my Florence roommate from way back in 1990, representing a rare and beautiful full-circle moment that literally brought tears to my eyes. It goes without saying that this was a very meaningful and emotional interview for me. Join us to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to build a football dynasty in the shadow of the Duomo, who the players are, what they are all about, their impact in the community, and why this team is about more than just wins and losses. We also discuss the team’s journey, their passion for the game, and what it means to play football in one of the world’s most historic cities. Whether you’re a football fanatic or a fan of great stories, this episode is about sports, culture, friendship, and how a team from Florence is making serious noise in Europe’s American football scene.
Links
Home page
https://www.instagram.com/guelfifirenze/
https://www.instagram.com/weplayforpizza/
USA BOOSTER CLUB
https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guelfi_Firenze
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Podcast Producer: Andrew Niklas Curtis
Production Intern: RJ Plunkett
Recorded at the Guelfi Sport Centre by Lorenzo Maiani, Faminore Sound Agency