Calcio is derived, to the best of my knowledge, from the medieval game of calcio fiorentino, or Florentine kickball. Calcio does not literally mean "football" or "soccer." In Italian, calciare means "to kick." A soccer player or footballer is a called a calciatore. When Italians translate the word calcio into English, they use the common term of “football.”

Calcio, quite obviously, is a great part of Italian culture, and the word represents their unique identity in the world of international football. Another word close to the hearts and souls of Italians is Gli Azzurri or “The Blues.”

Understanding Italian Broadcasting
Nobody produces football matches quite like the Italians do - always history delivered in operatic tones for its biggest events. Perhaps enshrouded in some of the widest held myths that its tactical reputation means that calcio is little more than slow and defensive football, some of the world's most technically gifted players are little more lost in translation with a language so very unique to the Italian game. But to understand what is being said amongst its domestic commentators, here are some Italian football terms, along with related topics, which should help you to better understand calcio italiano in the mother tongue. Football with the performance and temperamental precision of some of Italy's finest crafted automobiles.

Guarda. Ascolta. Impara. Watch. Listen. Learn. Witness the passion of calcio italiano.



Coaches
Allenatore: Head coach. From the verb, "allenare," which means to train, strengthen or invigorate.
Allenatore in secondo: Assistant coach.
CT or Commissario Tecnico: This term is reserved for the head coach of the Italian National Team, who is currently Cesare Prandelli. Or they may refer to him as "Il CT."
Il Mister: Is another term for the head coach. Yes, it is an English word but is pronounced "Eel Mee-ster." This is out of respect for the early British coaches who taught the game on the Italian peninsula. AC Milan (not Milano) was founded by British enthusiasts in 1897 and they named their club the "Athletic and Cricket Club of Milan." For example: “Max Allegri e’ il mister del Milan.” “Max Allegri is the manager for AC Milan.”

Referees
Arbitro: Match official. Sometimes, we see the term "Direttore della gara," which means "director of the game."
Guardalinea: The linesperson or what is now commonly referred to as the "referee's assistant."

Players
Ala(e): The wingers.
Attacante(i): The forwards or strikers.
Calciatore: Soccer player or footballer. This word is very close to cacciatore, which means "hunter."
Capitano: The team captain who wears the armband. The captain of the present Azzurri team is Gigi Buffon of Juventus FC.
Capocannonieri: This is the leading goalscorer in the Serie A. For the 2010-2011 season, it was Antonio Di Natale of Udinese.
Centroavanti: The classic center forward (#9) such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Centrocampista: Midfielder. The midfield is referred to as the "centrocampo." The word "campo" means the "field or pitch." "Pista" means racetrack. Literally, the one who runs around the midfield.
Difensore: Defender.
Fantasista: A cross between a classic #10 and a creative visionary. Roberto Baggio best exemplified this position.
Giocatore: Player. Derived from the verb, giocare.
La Regista: The literal meaning is "movie director." Some would call this type of player a deeper lying playmaker - think: Andrea Pirlo.
Lo Stopper: One or both of the two central defenders.
Portiere: Goalkeeper.
Terzino: Fullback.
Trequartista: This is a position that hangs behind the attackers and acts as a bridge between them and the midfielders. Some would call this player a "number 10" - think: Francesco Totti.


How many of the terms did you hear from the list below?

Common Terms From The Game
Al Volo: On the volley.
Ammonito: Warning. Usually heard when a player receives a yellow card. When he receives a red card, he is "Espulso."
Autogol: Own goal.
Barella: A stretcher to carry off injured players.
Botta: To pick up a knock or injury.
Cartellino Giallo/Rosso: Yellow/red card.
Calcio d'angolo: Corner kick.
Calcio di punizione: Free kick.
Catenaccio: The literal meaning is "door bolt." This refers to a defensive system that focuses on very tight marking, with rapid counter attacks. Internazionale (Inter Milan) introduced this system in the 1960's.
Dietro. Behind.
Doppietta: To score a brace or two goals.
Falo di mano: Hand ball. "Falo = foul."
Fantacalcio: Fantasy football. This refers to fantasy football games such as Seriealive.com but also is used to discuss crazy transfer rumors. “Quello e’ fantacalcio.” “That’s fantasy football.”
Fare un cambio: To make a change or substitution.
Fascia destra/sinistra: Right or left flank.
Fischiare: To whistle. Also, I fischi. What supporters do when they don't like something on the pitch. Common to North American booing or jeering.
Forza: Go! Usually followed by the name of your team. Such as, "Forza Juve or Forza Azzurri."
Fuorigioco: Offside.
Gioco scoretto: A harsh challenge that is usually booked. Literally means “an improper or incorrect play.”
Il Campo: The pitch or playing field.
Il Derby: A game between two teams from the same city or region. For example, AC Milan v. Inter Milan. AS Roma v. Lazio. Juventus v. Torino. When Internazionale plays Juventus, it is called "Il Derby D'Italia." The Derby of Italy. When AS Roma plays Napoli, the game is called “Il Derby Dell’Sole.” The Derby of the Sun. When Palermo faces Catania or Messina, the game is called “Il Derby Di Sicilia.” The Sicilian Derby.
Il Mercato: The player transfer market.
Il Modulo: The module or system that a coach employs. In the Serie A, most teams use a variation of the 4-4-2 or a 4-3-2-1. Some play a 4-3-3 or a 3-4-3, which is more attack-oriented. A few play with 5 midfielders and other permutations.
Il Pallone: The ball. Also can be called "La sfera." Or La Palla.
Il Palo: Either of the two poles of the goal. When a shot hits the pole, it is called a "palo."
Il Presidente: The team President.
Il Risultato: The essence of Italian football: The result.
Il Tridente: This is when the coach uses three attackers, or a "trident." As in the 4-3-3 referenced in il modulo.
In Casa or Casalinga. To play at home.
In Trasferta: To play on the road.
L’area di rigore: The penalty box.
Lancio in profundita: A long pass played into open space.
La Classifica: The table of current standings in the Serie A.
La Curva: The curve. The areas directly behind each goal. These are places where the more fervent home and away supporters sit or stand during games in Italy. Commonly known as the "Curva Sud" and "Curva Nord."
La Panchina: The player's bench. Sulla panchina means "On the bench." Players on the bench are called, “Le Riserve.”
La Partita: The game or match. Plural form is “Le Partite.”
La Porta: The goal mouth.
La Salvezza: Avoiding relegation to the Serie B. Each year, a few teams at the bottom of the Classifica lose the privilege (and financial considerations) to play in the Serie A. Some of these games are very intense.
Lato: Side.
Lo Scudetto: The Serie A championship Cup. “We want to win the Scudetto.”
Lo Specchio. The penalty area.
Lo Spogliatoglio: The dressing or changing room. Uomo di spogliatoglio is a player who is respected as a dressing room leader.
Lo Stadio: The stadium or ground. Such as the San Siro in Milan, Stadio Olimpico in Rome and San Paolo in Naples.
La Tribuna: The stands or terraces. La tribuna d'onore is the VIP section.
La Traversa: The crossbar of the goal.
La Zona Tecnica: The technical area where the manager stands.
Le Pagelle: The player ratings after each game. Players are rated on a scale from 0 to 10. Usual grades are between 5 and 7.5. Managers are also graded.
Le Palle Gol: Goal-scoring opportunities.
Pareggio: Tie game. In newspapers or web sites that list la classifica, ties are referred to as "Nulle." Games won are called “Vinte.” Games lost are “Perse.” In Totocalcio, which is a popular game picking lottery in Italy, here is how you would make your choices: AC Milan v. Juventus: 1 for Milan to win, X "Ickx" for a tie and 2 for a Juventus away win.
Parita: When the game is equalized.
Particolare: A very special, strange, hard-to-define or unique type of play, match or player. For example, Mario Balotelli. “Balotelli e’ molto particolare.” “Balotelli is one-of-a kind.”
Poker: The rare occasion when a player scores four goals in one match.
Possesso Palla: Percentage of ball possession.
Primo Tempo/Secondo Tempo: First and second halves. The half-time break is called “l’intervallo.”
Radoppio: To double your lead in a game.
Rete: Goal. The word also refers to the actual net. The plural form is "reti." The word "Gol" is also used.
Rigore: Penalty kick. The player who takes the penalties for a team is usually called the Rigorista.
Rimetta: Throw-in or goal kick.
Rovesciata: An overhead or bicycle kick.
Tacco: Backheel (pass).
Tempo Supplementare: Added or injury time.
Telecronista: The TV commentator. “La Cronica” refers to the game commentary. “Radiocronica” refers to live radio broadcasts.
Tifosi: The fans or supporters. Derived from the word "typhus." Tifosi of AC Milan are called "Milanisti." The team is also called "I Rossoneri." The Red and Blacks, which are their colors.
Tiro: Shot on goal. The plural form is "Tiri."
Tripletta: A hat trick or three goals.
Tuffo: Dive.
Un uomo in meno: When a player is red carded, his team plays with 10 men. Or, "one less man."
Ultras: The hard-core supporters who serve many purposes including decorating Il Curva Nord in the case of Internazionale supporters at San Siro.

Tanti auguri. Best wishes as you enjoy calcio italiano.

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Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, book reviewer and translator from Washington, D.C. He is the publisher of World Football Commentaries and The Soccer Translator. You can follow Steve @worldfootballcm on Twitter.

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