Meet the Italian Reds

As Liverpool prepare for tonight's Champions League clash with Fiorentina, we caught up with a member of the local supporters' club, Nunzio Esposito, to find out more about the Italian Reds.

Hello Nunzio, first of all, what makes Italy's branch of the Liverpool supporters' club different from the others?
 
I believe that Italy is one of the most difficult places to support Liverpool. The tragic events in Brussels left its indelible mark, but I have to say that we've always held our heads high and been proud to support the most historic club in the world.
 
What does it mean for you to welcome the Liverpool team to your home country?
 
Every time the Reds come to Italy it's a joy for us. We have a huge request for tickets but, unfortunately, we can never meet the demand. This means that we don't get to see the games with the travelling Kop.
 
How often do you meet as a group?
 
We meet at least twice a year. Italy is quite long though, so the distances make meeting very difficult. For example, we have supporters in Palermo (Sicily) in the far south and in Trento near the Italian/Austrian border, so we sometimes split our meetings into various regions.
 
There are many great teams in Italy - why support Liverpool?
 
For those of us who witnessed English football in the 1970s, names like Bill Shankly, Kevin Keegan and the Kop itself epitomised the best the game had to offer. Then there is the new generation that witnessed the magical scenes in Istanbul - against an Italian side too!

What's the best game you've ever attended involving LFC?
 
I have fond memories of the two Rome finals. 1977 was my baptism (a present from my father for my efforts at school). I was only 11-years-old and the thousands of fans that descended on Rome with their noise and their colours left me spellbound.
 
Who is your favourite player?
 
Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard are obvious favourites but the crown for the greatest LFC player of all-time goes to King Kenny.
 
Who got the nod for the Italian supporters' player of the year for 08-09?
 
Xabi Alonso's season was exemplary and it was sad to see him go. Benayoun made a big contribution towards the end of the campaign, but the majority opted for Xabi.
 
Who is your tip to star this season?
 
I have big hopes for Ryan Babel, but the fitness of Gerrard and Fernando Torres will be key. 

When are you next in L4?
 
Some of us were at the Hull game. Six goals and a Torres hat-trick - it was a great day!
 
Which of our youngsters do you think can make a big impression this season?
 
Emiliano Insua is developing nicely. I also like the look of Jay Spearing, Krisztian Nemeth and Stephen Darby.
 
What are your thoughts on Liverpool's season so far?
 
The games against Spurs and the Villans certainly hurt us, but I'm confident in the strength and technical ability of the squad.
 
Who has been our best performer?
 
I'd have to say Glen Johnson. His introduction has exceeded all expectations. Let's hope he goes on to have a great championship winning season.

What can you tell us about Fiorentina's current squad and their manager?
 
After the bankruptcy, the club was very fortunate to find the new owners, the Della Valle family. They have rebuilt a strong and healthy club with good prospects, albeit with one eye, quite rightly, on the balance sheet. Until now the club has been unable to make a lot of high quality purchases but the Adrian Mutu/Alberto Gilardino combination is their main weapon. Luckily for us Gilardino is out suspended. Overall the squad is compact but still lacks international experience.
 
Where do you think we'll finish in the league this season?
 
After 20 years of suffering, what can I say? I want to win the Barclays Premier League title more than anything...
 
We can't let you go without asking for your view on the summer signing of Alberto Aquilani. Will he be a hit at Anfield?
 
Alberto Aquilani has huge potential and, together with Totti and De Rossi, was fantastic in the Roma midfield. I hope he can achieve great things with the club. We are always proud when an Italian plays for the Reds and it was fantastic when Andrea Dossena scored famous goals against Real Madrid and Man United (we couldn't ask for more).
 
What do you make of Group E in the Champions League - who do you expect to qualify?
 
Topping the group is well within our capabilities as long as we don't complicate things! I'm hopeful that both Liverpool and Fiorentina will qualify.
 
And finally, your prediction?
 
Torres and Gerrard - 2-0 to us.