by Steve Amoia

Calciatore: Soccer player. Pronounced "Cahl-chah-touray." This word is very close to cacciatore, which means "hunter."

Giocatore: Player. Pronounced "Joe-cah-touray." The word "giuoco" means "play." Pronounced "Jew-oh-coh." Derived from the verb, giocare. (joe-cahr-ray.)

Portiere: Goalkeeper. Pronounced "Poor-tee-air-ray."

Difensore: Defender. Pronounced "Dee-fane-soar-ray."

Terzino: Fullback. Pronounced "Tear-zee-noh."

Lo Stopper: One or both of the two central defenders. Pronounced "Low Stow-per."

Centrocampista: Midfielder. The midfield is referred to as the "centrocampo." The word "campo" (kahm-poh) means the "field or pitch." "Pista" (pee-stah) means racetrack. Literally, one who runs around the midfield.

Attacante(i): The strikers. Pronounced "Ah-tah-kahn-tay(tee)." But let me specify them:

La Regista: The literal meaning is "movie director." Usually, the #10 player. The creative playmaker. Pronounced "Lah-Ray-gee-stah."

Ala(e): The wingers. Pronounced "Ah-lah or Ah-lay."

Centroavante: The classic center forward such as Christian Vieri. Pronounced "Chain-troh-ah-vahn-tay."

Trequartista: This is a position that hangs behind the attackers, and acts as a bridge between them and the midfielders. Pronounced "Tray-kwarr-tee-stah."

Capocannonieri: This is the leading goalscorer in the Serie A. Pronounced "Kah-poh-kahn-nohn-yehr-ree." For the 2008-2009 season, Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Internazionale with 25 goals.

Capitano: The team captain who wears the armband. Pronounced "Kah-pee-tah-no." The captain of the present Azzurri team is Fabio Cannavaro of Juventus FC.

Part 1: From The Beginning
Part 2: Coaches & Referees
Part 4: Common Terms From The Game

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