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PhrasesAt a Football MatchCosa cantano i tifosi?
A2informal

Cosa cantano i tifosi?

What are the fans singing?

Pronunciation

KOH-zah KAN-tah-noh ee tee-FO-zee.

When to use it

When the curva erupts in a chant you do not understand. Ask a neighbouring fan to translate or explain the meaning of the song.

What it means

Cosa cantano means what are they singing. I tifosi is the plural of tifoso (fan). Understanding the chants dramatically improves the matchday experience and helps you participate.

Variations

Puoi insegnarmi questo coro?

Can you teach me this chant?

Asking to learn a specific chant.

Questo coro è contro l'avversario?

Is this chant against the opponent?

Asking whether it is a supportive or insulting chant.

I cori sono in dialetto?

Are the chants in dialect?

Many Italian football chants use regional dialect.

Mini Dialogue

— Cosa cantano i tifosi? — Stanno cantando 'Chi non salta juventino è' — se salti sei con noi! — Capito! Anch'io salto! — Bravo! Stai diventando un tifoso vero. — Forza!

— What are the fans singing? — They are singing 'He who doesn't jump is a Juventus fan' — if you jump you are with us! — Got it! I'll jump too! — Good! You are becoming a real fan. — Come on!

Cultural Note

Italian football chants (cori) are an art form maintained by the ultras. Many are irreverent or even offensive — Italians treat stadium chanting with a freedom of expression not found in other social contexts. Learning a club's cori is a rite of passage for becoming a genuine tifoso.