The History of the World in 12 Soccer Matches: Players become spectators of the social upheavals surrounding them
Stefano Bizzotto's book, 'The History of the World in 12 Soccer Matches,' explores how major historical events have intersected with the sport of football. The book highlights iconic matches that reflect social and political upheavals of the 20th century.
Why it matters
It provides a unique cultural perspective on how sports serve as a mirror for global history and human resilience.
Former AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi described the biggest sport on the planet as “the most important of the least important things”, which nicely encapsulates the spirit of the games collected by Stefano Bizzotto.
Seeking to match the ambition of the book’s title, Bizzotto places his players on the heavy pitch of history; they became spectators, too, of the social upheavals surrounding them, or viewing their country’s past replayed in a theatre of war that’s 22 blokes kicking a ball around a field.
If you love this game invented in the 19th century, that most revolutionary age of the springtime of the peoples, then 12 Matches proves an illuminating read.
Journalist Bizzotto replays the matches in the light conversational manner found on any podcast; it’s easy to tell he lives for Calcio.
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