From Maradona to Maldini
When Italy Made Everyone Else Look Sunday League
In his latest work, "They Came, They Saw, They Conquered", Dominic Hougham masterfully chronicles what many consider the absolute pinnacle of club football – the era when Serie A wasn't just a football league but a weekly showcase of the world's finest talents. As someone whose writing regularly graces the pages of These Football Times, Hougham brings both scholarly rigour and passionate fandom to this vibrant period of football history.
The book's greatest strength lies in its ability to weave together the many threads that created this golden tapestry. Hougham recounts matches and goals and encapsulates the essence of a time when Serie A was undoubtedly the world's best league, home to an unparalleled array of football stars. His analysis of the Heysel disaster's impact on European football provides crucial context, explaining how Italian clubs seized their moment to rise from relative obscurity to continental dominance.
The author's treatment of Maradona's turbulent Napoli years is particularly compelling. Rather than merely rehashing well-worn tales, Hougham delves into how El Diego's presence in Naples transformed not just a club but an entire city's identity. The chapter on the Dutch trio in Milan, under Sacchi, reads like a thriller, showing how three Dutchmen revolutionised Italian tactical thinking.
What sets this book apart is its attention to the broader cultural impact of calcio's golden age. The section on Channel 4's revolutionary coverage of Italian football perfectly captures how Serie A, featuring the iconic James Richardson, captured the British imagination. Hougham's analysis of Paul Gascoigne's Lazio adventure offers fresh insights into a well-documented saga, examining both its sporting and cultural significance.
The book's final chapters, dealing with the end of Italian football's dominance, are handled with particular sensitivity. Hougham provides a thoughtful analysis of the economic and structural issues that led to Serie A's gradual decline rather than simply lamenting it.
There are moments when the book threatens to become overwhelmed by its ambition; covering a decade-plus of football history across multiple clubs is no small task. However, Hougham's clear prose and careful organisation kept the narrative running smoothly. His journalist's eye for detail and historian's sense of context ensure that even the most complex storylines remain accessible.
For those who lived through this era, "They Came, They Saw, They Conquered" will feel like leafing through a treasured photo album, each page triggering memories of sublime skills and unforgettable moments. For younger readers, it serves as an essential chronicle of a time when tactical sophistication, defensive mastery, and incredible talent combined to create what many still consider football's most glorious era.
Hougham has created more than just a football book; it's a time machine that transports readers to an age when Italian football wasn't just successful but seductive. Every Sunday afternoon held the promise of drama, style, and sophistication. During this period, Calcio held a dominant position.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Delivered to You Second Week June 2025
Some publishers release new titles early, so our ETA above could change.
Published: June 2, 2025
Price: £16.99
Paperback: 320 pages
ISBN-10: 1836801858
ISBN-13: 978-1836801856
Dimensions: 154 x 236 (mm)
