The reforms that were made to the soccer program did not benefit the small clubs. This caused the smaller clubs to reject ideas that would benefit the larger clubs when things were voted upon. This made the larger clubs form other confederations. The issues that the small clubs faced were that they could not acquire the best players because the larger clubs got them all. This also forced the small clubs to drop into leagues where they could compete and make money. Large clubs were able to build up a following by paying fans to go to away games. Acquiring the best athletes was a vital part to the clubs success but we also see that fan support was a major factor in the outcome of games. While the game was developing so was the officiating aspect. We see from the article that the referees were conscientious about where they were when making calls and how the call would be received by the fans and later the committee.

The protracted season also only highlighted the stark division between the wealthy and poor clubs. A rich minority capable of winning the title had emerged but the demands placed upon them had also become more exacting as supporters demanded stronger squads, which required more money to attract the best players. Many games had also become unattractive mismatches between the rich and poor, the real business of the season commencing only once the play-off positions had been decided. Unable to break into the league’s elite due to their financial limitations, the poorer teams were left with little to fight for other than survival (Martin 56).

Reaction: From what I have read so far I feel that the organization casued more problems. A question I have is how did these organizations make money without the backing of sponsors?

Another thing that stood out to me was how Italy did not recruit that many people from abroad during this time period. If non-Italians were on a team they were not able to play together. Why is this?

Shooting for Italy

It seemed like as the years went on Italy started to realize that they needed to start looking abroad for talent.

As Lanfranchi and Taylor have observed, international football was used to symbolize and commemorate international friendships and diplomatic alliances (Martin 176).

The non Italian players faced much hardships at the beginning from the hostile crowds.