Rigore! - The Italian Football Podcast
Episodes
Ep. 5.30 - Inter's to lose now?
14 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
An epic clash between Inter and Como seems to have decided the scudetto as the Nerazzurri win and extend their lead at the top, while at the bottom, i...
Ep. 5.29 - Normal Service Is Resumed
07 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
After the bad news of Italy, it's slightly better news for the pod as Fiorentina just about beat Verona to take a huge stride to safety, while Inter r...
Ep. 5.28 - The Emergency Episode We Didn't Want To Record
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, we know. We said we don't record episodes about the Azzurri. But Marco needed to rant, and we all know everyone loves to hear us being miserable....
Ep 5.27 - Two good draws and a look ahead to the Azzurri
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Good draws for Fiorentina and Venezia that consolidate their respective positions, while Inter seem to be stumbling toward the finish line. But the re...
Ep. 5.26 - A Big Step Toward Safety For La Viola
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A weekend of poor goalkeeping and controversial refereeing decisions - but Fiorentina grab a vital (and emphatic) win against Cremonese that puts them...
Ep. 5.25 - Milan win the derby and Venezia go clear at the top of B
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Milan beat Inter to make it 7 games v their rivals without defeat - is Allegri's approach working? Meanwhile, De Rossi beats Roma, but refuses to cele...
Ep. 5.24 - Wondergoals and Euro Fails
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
After a tough European week for Serie A, we enjoy a cracker of a Sunday night game between Roma and Juve, wonder who will end up in the Champions Leag...
Ep. 5.23 - Inter de facto Champions already?
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Are Inter already champions in all but name? After the results this weekend, it certainly looks like it... Meanwhile, Fiorentina grab a hard-fought bu...
Ep. 5.22 - Bastoni Diving Scandal, Como Downed By The Viola, and Venezia Stay Top
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss the big issue in Serie A as Bastoni receives death threats for getting Kalulu sent off, plus we discuss Napoli v Roma, as well as Fiorentin...
Ep. 5.21 - Vergara VAR Victory and Venezia Win 8 in a row...
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's a Rigore special as we discuss the VAR-awarded penalties in Genoa-Napoli, while Fiorentina let more points slip to Torino. Down in Serie B, Venez...
Ep. 5.20 - The Capolista Edition
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
VENEZIA ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE! (We also chat about some other action from the weekend, but... VENEZIA ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE!) Hosted on Acast. See aca...
Ep. 5.19 - Are Como Europe-bound? And Fiorentina slip again...
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We do that rarest of things on the Rigore podcast this week, and give Como a little bit of (grudging) praise. Plus, we wonder if Toro are relegation-b...
Ep. 5.18 - A Loss Off The Pitch But Wins On It
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We open with the sad death of Fiorentina President Rocco Commisso, but Fiorentina paid tribute in the best possible way by beating Bologna and lifting...
Ep. 5.17 - Managerial Red Cards, Controversial Penalties, and Last Minute Goals
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
An exciting weekend that saw a draw in the big clash between Inter and Napoli that had goals, red cards and controversial penalties. Fiorentina meanwh...
Ep. 5.16 - Fiorentina's Year Gets Off To A Good Start
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's a Happy New Year for Ginkers as Fiorentina secure a last-minute win to help them climb off the bottom of the Serie A table... while at the top, N...
Ep. 5.15 - A Christmas Miracle as Fiorentina win!
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An early Christmas present for one half of the pod as Fiorentina grab their first win of the season with a thumping win over Udinese (aided by a red c...
Ep. 5.14 - Turns out things CAN get worse for Fiorentina... (But Venezia win!)
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Uh oh... Just as we said last week things could only get better for Fiorentina, in true Rigore fashion, we proved to be wrong again. A damaging defeat...
Ep. 5.13 - Things can only get better?
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hard for one half of the pod to record this episode as Fiorentina sink to a new low - are they doomed? Elsewhere, Napoli beat Juve, Inter hammer Como ...
Ep. 5.12 - Rossoneri Ref Ridicule and Fiorentina Fall Further
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Was it a penalty? Was it a farce? We discuss the end of the Milan-Lazio game, and also look at how the other top teams got on this weekend. Plus, Fior...
Ep. 5.11 - Gran Dottori 0 Gran Signori 2
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A return to league action was a relief after Italy's poor showing, which we analyse in painful detail. Plus, the Venetian derby is Arancioneroverdi, w...
Ep. 5.10 - No Vanoli Viola Victory, But Venezia Victorious
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An old Venezia favourite was installed as Fiorentina's new manager, but he couldn't guide them to victory against Genoa, while Inter and Roma climbed ...
Ep. 5.9 - Misery Business
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's what people want - two miserable hosts as Fiorentina and Venezia both lose. But not all misery is the same - as Fiorentina get off to their worst...
Ep. 5.8 - The Last Minute Goals Episode
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Late goals made one half of the pod smile and another fall crestfallen to the ground as Fiorentina stage an unlikely comeback while Venezia fell to de...
Ep. 5.7 - Viola VAR Rage as Milan Go Top
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Giancarlo is not a happy man as he rages at a VAR gift to Milan that saw them beat the Viola to go top. Elsewhere, it was a weekend of few goals, but ...
Ep. 5.6 - Venezia Soar as Fiorentina Slump
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Good news and bad news for the pod this week as Venezia sweep aside league leaders Frosinone in convincing fashion, while in Serie A, Fiorentina conti...
Ep. 5.5 - A Rossoneri Revival
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the Rossoneri go top with a victory over Napoli, we celebrate the first ever Rigore! prediction to go right! Plus, Roma looking good, Fiorentina no...
Ep. 5.4 - Rome Red Cards, VAR Villains, and Milan Dark Horses?
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We discuss the red card fest that is the Rome derby - though they made us wait for it this time. Plus, some dubious VAR decisions, Fiorentina's woes c...
Ep. 5.3 - "Sometimes maybe good, sometimes maybe sh*t"
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's episode, Marco admits to having seen very little of the football this weekend, but that of course doesn't mean he can't offer an opinio...
Ep. 5.2 - Cremonese's Dream Start
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cremonese sit top of the table, while Inter lose at home to Udinese - we discuss how it all happened (or Marco tries to through a croaky voice)... Els...
Ep. 5.1 - Here we go again...
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're back, refreshed after our summer break, but no more knowledgeable or correct in our opinions as we look back over the opening weekend of Serie A...
Ep. 4.36 - And now, the end is here...
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The final weekend of the season brought drama and delight in Naples, and frustration in the lagoon. Napolil are champions, Fiorentina sneak into Europ...
Ep. 4.35 - Late Drama for Inter & Napoli at the top while Venezia despair at the bottom
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Late drama at the top of the table as Inter let in a late equaliser while Napoli are denied at 95th minute penalty. Who holds the cards for the final ...
Ep. 4.34 - The Rigore! Derby has a winner...
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Rigore! derby had a winner, and it's left Marco ecstatic and Giancarlo down in the dumps! Can Venezia now kick on and save themselves? And will Na...
Ep. 4.33 - The Champions League Race Heats Up
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The race for the last two Champions League spots could not be tighter, with Bologna and Juve's draw helping Atalanta, but also giving hope to the Roma...
Ep. 4.32 - Are Inter done?
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Napoli make a break for it as Inter stumble. We wonder if they might end up with no trophies after being in contention for three for so long. Plus, Ve...
Verona Campione - A discussion with Richard Hough
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Verona Campione is the new book from Richard Hough, exploring the amazing underdog story of how Hellas Verona conquered the giants of Italian football...
Ep. 4.31 - Bologna blow the title race open & the relegation battle heats up
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Orsolini's 94th minute goal v Inter has blown the title race wide open - are Napoli now favourites? And at the other end, Venezia are frustrated not t...
Ep. 4.30 - A Rare Venezia Win - but is it enough?
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Venezia finally notch up a win, and with a goal from Daniel Fila no less! But as we discuss, it is only the start of what they need to pull of a mirac...
Ep. 4.29 - Many draws, no real winners
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many draws in Serie A this weekend, but who was left the happiest? Not Venezia, who probably needed a win v Lecce, but if you cant score goals... Plus...
Ep 4.28 - A Two-Horse Title Race and the Two Faces of the Azzurri
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's Napoli v Inter at the top of the table as we head into the final weeks, with Atalanta's challenge well and truly snuffed-out by Fiorentina. Venez...
Ep. 4.27 - Fiorentina rout Juve, Inter break away, and Venezia hold Napoli - is there still hope?
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's all smiles on the pod this week as Fiorentina humble Juve - can Motta survive? While Inter break away at the top with a victory over Atalanta, wh...
Ep. 4.26 - Juve humbled and last gasp Venezia - and a tribute to Bruno Pizzul
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Atalanta humiliate Juve in their home to make sure the scudetto is a proper 3-way race, while Marco is very satisfied by Gytkjaer's last minute equali...
Ep 4.25 - Tight at the Top and No Goals Venezia
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
None of the top three took advantage of their fixtures to make a break for it, with one of those three, Atalanta, held at home by Venezia. Good result...
Ep. 4.24 - Spectacular Own Goals and Penalty Taker Arguments
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A bad week for Italian teams in Europe, and also at home for Fiorentina and Venezia - will Venezia ever score a goal again? Plus, some great own goals...
Ep. 4.23 - It Wasn't The End - But It May Be For Venezia
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
No Ben Yedder for Venezia means we return! But things haven't improved on the pitch for Venezia as we wonder if Di Francesco will survive as Venezia l...
Ep. 4.22 - Is This The End?
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Despite a fine victory for Fiorentina over Inter in midweek, this is a bit of a sombre episode as Marco lays out how he feels about Venezia potentiall...
Ep. 4.21 - The January Transfers Episode
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It was all draws for the top teams this weekend, while Fiorentina grabbed a second consecutive win. No such luck for Venezia, who lost their captain t...
Ep. 4.20 - Farewell to the Doge?
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Will he stay or will he go? That's the question that Marco and all Venezia fans have been asking after the shock news that the club are trying to sell...
Ep. 4.19 - Colpani or Candela - who is worse?
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we try to outdo each other by discussing who has the poorer player in their team - Colpani or Candela. Plus, Atalanta lose a humdinger of a...
Ep. 4.18 - The January Mercato Episode
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Good results for teams at the bottom of the league is bad news for Venezia - but were they a bit unlucky against Inter? Napoli win despite the Kvara-g...
Ep. 4.17 - The Rebalancing Episode
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's the halfway stage of the season and we think the results are starting to rebalance the league a little - Roma doing a bit better as we thought th...
Ep. 4.16 - The Happy Christmas Episode
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Marco is full of festive cheer as Venezia deliver that Christmas miracle win against Cagliari, while Atalanta's sensational season continues. We also ...
Ep 4.15 - The Rigore per la Juve Episode
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Atalanta stay top, Fiorentina's winning run ends, and Venezia nearly pull off a historic result in Turin - only for Juve to get their usual 95th minut...
Ep. 4.14 - The Stormy Weather Episode
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's the season of the "smaller" teams as Atalanta go top, and Fiorentina and Lazio dare to dream. But down at the bottom end, Venezia and Como play o...
Ep. 4.13 - The One Where Marco Wishes He Was Still Sick
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're back after an illness-enforced absence, but things have only gotten worse for Venezia... How is Di Francesco still in a job? Elsewhere, there we...
International Break special with Gabriele Marcotti
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A special extra-long episode to tide you over during the international break as we speak with renowned Italian football pundit and journalist, Gabriel...
Ep. 4.12 - Is this the most exciting Serie A start in recent memory?
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Two points separate the top six teams (and four points separate the bottom 8) - is this the most exciting start ever? Well, not if you're a Venezia fa...
Ep. 4.11 - The We Wuz Robbed Episode
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is more predictable in Italian football than a small team getting a goal chopped off v a big team in the last minute... we recorded this in the m...
Ep. 4.10 - The Goals Goals Goals Episode
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Serie A went goal crazy this weekend, with Giancarlo's own Fiorentina handing out a 5 goal thumping to Roma, Inter and Juve sharing just the 8 goals, ...
Ep. 4.9 - The Contrasting Fortunes Episode
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One half of the pod is very happy, the other very sad - we'll let you decide which is which as we dissect the latest games in Serie A this weekend, as...
TV Rights Special with Anna Guarnerio of Lega Serie A
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Anna Guarnerio joins us in a special bonus episode to discuss Lega Serie A's decision to partner with One Football in the UK for the TV rights, to tel...
Ep. 4.8 - The Pairetto Penalty Pandemonium Episode
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's penalty pandemonium this week as referee Luca Pairetto gave 3 and missed more in the Fiorentina-Milan game (the result of which made Giancarlo ve...
Ep. 4.7 - The Roma Robbery Episode
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Listeners will be relieved to hear we are back to our usual grumpy selves - or Marco is at least, after a frustrating Venezia defeat to Roma. Elsewher...
Ep. 4.6 - The Totò Schillaci Tribute Episode
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We pay tribute to a legend of the Azzurri this week as we remember Totò Schillaci, and also celebrate victories for both Venezia and Fiorentina. Plus...
One Football Special - Serie A streaming in the UK
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A special episode with another special guest as we speak with One Football's Maurits Schoen to hear how One Football grabbed the rights for Serie A in...
Ep. 4.5 - The Pre-Champions League Episode
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Napoli go top as most other big teams seemed pre-occupied with upcoming Euro fixtures - though Fiorentina and especially Venezia decided to make thing...
Ep. 4.4 - The Transfer Chaos Episode
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The end of the transfer window saw some big moves in Italy, but how long will it take for all these new players to bed in at the likes of Juve and Fio...
Ep. 4.3 - The Rigore! Derby Episode
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The grudge match arrives early this season as Giancarlo's Fiorentina play host Marco's Venezia - but who ended up happier? Plus, a big weekend for the...
Ep. 4.2 - A Cold Welcome Back to Serie A for Venezia
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're back, and so is Serie A! It was a weekend of draws, apart from for Venezia (of course!) A harsh opening for Marco's team on their return, while ...
Ep. 4..1 - Pre-season special with TNT Sports Commentator Adam Summerton
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are joined by the voice of Serie A in the UK, TNT Sports commentator Adam Summerton, as we look forward to the imminent start of the new Serie A se...
The Euro 2024 Emergency Pod
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An unplanned, but necessary, emergency pod as we try to work through our pain and anger after Italy's whimper of an exit from Euro 2024...Music by&nbs...
Ep. 3.37 - The End of Season Episode (Venezia in Serie A!)
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Contrasting fortunes on this final episode of the season as Marco is giddy from his trip to watch Venezia win promotion, while Giancarlo is still smar...
Ep. 3.36 - The Not Quite End of Season Episode
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Serie A is done and dusted (just about), and we discuss an exciting end to the relegation battle. Plus, we give our views on Spalletti's Italy squad, ...
Ep. 3.35 - The Added Time Podcast
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we discuss some very, very late goals that could change the fortunes of some teams at the bottom of the Serie A table and help those in the ...
Ep 3.34 - The Sweary Episode
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's a painful episode this week for one half of the podcast as Marco struggles with Venezia's performance on Friday night that threw away a chance at...
Ep. 3.33 - The Conspiracy Episode
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Get ready for some Como conspiracies as Marco lets rip after farcical events in the midweek round of Serie B games - although fortunately San Joel was...
Ep. 3.32 - The Business End of the Season Episode
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's all smiles this week as Fiorentina thump Sassuolo and Venezia get a huge win against Cremonese. We also chat about how De Rossi has turned things...
Ep 3.31 - The Coefficient Episode
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's all about five - or six? - teams in the Champions League for Serie A this week, along with a look over the relegation battle in the league. Will ...
Ep. 3.30 - The Financial Underdogs Episode
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In a weekend of draws in Serie A, we pick out the highlights, including Milan and Sassuolo's humdinger and another controversial use of VAR in Lecce v...
Ep. 3.29 - The Frustrated Episode
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're both frustrated this week as we deal with Fiorentina's loss to Juve and Venezia's goalless draw at Ascoli. Plus, we discuss Juve's potential tra...
Ep. 3.28 - The Post-Match Pain Episode - Take Two
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's Marco's turn to feel the post-match pain as this was recorded fresh off Venezia's 3-2 home defeat to Reggiana. Elsewhere, we look back the Azzurr...
Ep. 3.27 - The Pohjanpalo Fan Club Episode
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're all fans of Joel Pohjanpalo this week as we discuss another superlative performance from Venezia's Finnish hero. Plus, Inter-Napoli, new manager...
Ep. 3.26 - The Post-Match Pain Episode
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's a tough one for one half of the podcast this week as we record immediately after Roma's late late equaliser in Florence. Plus - we discuss the Th...
Ep. 3.25 - The Red Cards Special
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There were cards aplenty in Serie A this weekend - but was it down to poor refereeing or poor play? Plus, the shortest sub ever in Napoli v Juve, and ...
Ep. 3.24 - The Rovesciata Special
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we discuss a couple of very special overhead kick goals (including a late winner for Venezia, which also served as another example of the 'r...
Ep. 3.23 - The Frustrating Draws Episode
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After the highs of last week, it is not quite service as normal, as neither Fiorentina or Venezia lost, but it's fair to say we hoped for more against...
Ep. 3.22 - The Unusually Happy Episode
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's lightness and joy on this week's episode as we take in thumping victories for both Fiorentina and Venezia, including a great start for Il Gallo B...
Ep. 3.21 - The Injury Time Episode
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's misery all round this week as Fiorentina and Venezia both suffered late, late goals to lose their respective matches. Plus, we get the lowdown on...
Ep 3.20 - The Rigore episode!
29 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's the namesake episode this week as we discuss penalties of all kinds - dodgy, stonewall and missed pens featured heavily in Serie A this week. Plu...
Ep 3.19 - Juve go top, Supercoppa review and Venezia sink in the storms
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's a slimmed down show to go with a slimmed down Serie A calendar as four teams are away in Saudi playing the Supercoppa. We review that, and also d...
S3 E18 - The Thunderb*stard Episode
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this slightly longer-than-normal episode, we discuss all manner of well-struck goals (or thunderb*stards, as Giancarlo so eloquently puts it) in a ...
Ep. 3.17 - Missed penalties, red cards and nightmare debuts for the New Year
08 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our first show of the new year sees us with lots to cover, from Inter's controversial win against Verona, Juve's late win in Salerno and poor old Pasq...
Ep. 3.16 - Christmas wrap up: VAR penalties, comedy goals and the best of Fiorentina and Venezia in 2023
23 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our final episode of the year sees us laughing at both ludicrous VAR penalties and comedy goals from this weekend, as well as looking back on Fiorenti...
Ep 3.15 - European victories, Terrible strips and Serie B leaders all fail to win
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We look back at a successful week in Europe for all 7 of Italy's teams, wonder whether Inter are marching towards the scudetto, discuss Fiorentina's l...
Ep 3.14 - Red cards rain in Roma-Fiorentina and Venezia lose top spot
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A fine ranting episode as Giancarlo is frustrated with Roma's antics v Fiorentina, while Marco bemoans Venezia failing to take advantage of a red card...
Ep 3.13 - Stunning goals, Late Winners and Magic Johnsen does it again for Venezia
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are getting giddy this week as Venezia win again thanks to a sublime piece of skill from Denis "Magic" Johnsen, while Fiorentina also win thanks to...
Ep. 3.12 - Reflections on Italy, Juve and Inter hold out for a draw, and Venezia go top of Serie B!
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're back after the international break, reflecting on Italy's qualification for the Euros and what may lie ahead for them. We also look at the resum...
Ep 3.11 - Boring Romans, Lucky Milan, VAR-tastic Viola and Victorious Venezia
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Much to talk about this week, from asking whether Frosinone are the most exciting team from the Lazio region, wondering whether Milan were lucky v Lec...
Ep 3.10 - Boring, boring Juve win again, Milan in trouble and Magic Johnsen wins it for Venezia
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's a painful episode for one half of the podcast this week as Juve scrape a win in Florence. Elsewhere, we wonder if Pioli's days are numbered and l...
Ep. 3.9 - A weekend of incredible fightbacks
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
An amazing weekend of football in Italy saw Napoli fighting back against Milan, Venezia coming back against Pisa, and most incredibly, Cagliari beatin...