IL PRESIDENTE DEL BORGOROSSO

Cinemavixion Review

Alberto Sordi, a titan of Italian cinema, delivers a masterful performance in "Il Presidente del Borgorosso Football Club," a hilarious and insightful comedy from 1970 directed by Luigi Filippo D'Amico. The film, co-written by Sordi himself alongside Sergio Amidei and Adriano Zecca, brilliantly satirizes the fervent world of Italian football fandom through the eyes of Benito Fornaciari. Fornaciari, a devout and somewhat meek middle-class man, unexpectedly inherits a struggling lower-league football club. His initial intention is to quickly divest himself of the responsibility, but the passionate locals, through a charmingly depicted "uprising," persuade him to lead the team. What follows is a delightful transformation as Fornaciari sheds his reservations, becoming an increasingly devoted and fanatical supporter, to the point of immersing himself fully in the club's life, even at the expense of his personal affairs. The narrative also playfully explores his newfound indulgences, from a romantic entanglement with the club's cook to a deeper appreciation of the sport and its associated pleasures. "Il Presidente del Borgorosso Football Club" is more than just a sports comedy; it's a sharp commentary on Italian society, passion, and the transformative power of belonging. Sordi's iconic ability to embody the common man, with all his foibles and enthusiasms, makes Fornaciari a relatable and unforgettable character. The film stands as a testament to Sordi's multifaceted talent and D'Amico's adept direction in capturing both the humor and the heart of the Italian sporting spirit.