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PhrasesAt a Football MatchA che ora inizia la partita?
A1

A che ora inizia la partita?

What time does the match start?

Pronunciation

ah keh OH-rah ee-NEETS-ya la par-TEE-tah.

When to use it

The most basic question before any match. Italian Serie A matches are spread across the weekend and weekday evenings at different kick-off times.

What it means

A che ora inizia means at what time does it start. La partita means the match. Inizia is the third-person singular present of iniziare (to begin). Kicks-off times in Serie A vary — typically 12:30, 15:00, 18:00, or 20:45.

Variations

Il fischio d'inizio è alle venti e quarantacinque?

Is kick-off at eight forty-five?

Using the specific football term 'fischio d'inizio' (opening whistle).

A che ora finisce all'incirca?

What time does it approximately finish?

Planning your evening around the match.

C'è un pre-partita?

Is there a pre-match?

Asking about pre-match events or broadcasts.

Mini Dialogue

— A che ora inizia la partita? — Il fischio d'inizio è alle venti e quarantacinque. — E finisce verso le ventidue e trenta? — Sì, più il recupero. — Abbiamo tempo per mangiare qualcosa prima allora.

— What time does the match start? — Kick-off is at eight forty-five. — And it finishes around ten thirty? — Yes, plus injury time. — We have time to eat something before then.

Cultural Note

Serie A matches are broadcast by DAZN and Sky Sport in Italy, with kick-off times staggered to maximise television audiences. The prime slot is Sunday at 20:45. Italian fans often gather in bars (watching matches on TV) or at the stadium from two hours before kick-off.