Soccer is known worldwide as The Beautiful Game. Italy has a storied affection for the sport matched with a successful record of four World Cup titles in 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006--the second most of any country. Though the team has faltered lately, the passion for "calicio" and the national team, "Gli Azzurri", has not been diminished. 

Come join the ICI for a special lecture on the role of soccer in Italian culture and society presented by Dr. Renato LaRocca, who grew up in Italy and can speak firsthand to the national pride, history, and identity captured by the sport. Dr. Ivan Ljubic will also provide comments speaking to a broader theme of soccer and national identity. Dr. Ljubic was in Croatia this summer when the Croatian national team made a historic run to the World Cup final. 

The event will be hosted at ROC (1327 Bardstown Road) on October 21 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Tickets are $5 with food available a la carte. Space is limited to the first 30 registrants, and tickets purchased for this summer's "Cheer Like An Italian" event will be honored.