While the MLS season is quickly approaching the final stretch of games, the European season is just getting underway. Erick Thohir, the majority owner of D.C. United, is also Inter Milan majority owner and president, which begins play in Serie A today against Atalanta, another team in northern Italy. Meanwhile, on dcunited.com, there is a video series called “Road Tripping” (explanation for that series up to your discretion).
Milan, the city
The fashion capital of the world lies in northern Italy, almost halfway between Turin in the west and Venice in the east, and only 33.5 miles south from the town of Chiasso near the southern Switzerland border.
The “most modern city in Italy” oozes flair, sophistication and finely-tailored suits. The buildings seem to personify the people, and in the Centro Storico you will gaze in awe at the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (just avoid all the selfie-stick salesmen). And while you’re there, take part in the World Expo, a massive six-month event showcasing countries all over the world and their common goal of “being able to guarantee healthy, safe and sufficient food for everyone, while respecting the Planet and its equilibrium.”
If you want to leave the tourists and enjoy a classic Milanese
aperitivo,
make your way to
Navigli
, a neighborhood in Milan bustling with students, bars, restaurants and gelato along canals in the southwestern corner of the city. If you can handle it, order what is now known as the drink of Milan, a high-powered mix of vermouth, Campari, gin and an orange slice called a negroni.
Want to get away from the urban bustle? Take a train up to Lake Como (yes, George Clooney’s Lake Como) and experience the wonderfully beautiful views it has to offer.
Milan, the team
Between the two teams that play in the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, there are 10 UEFA Champions League/European Cup trophies, 36 domestic league titles (18 each) and countless other awards. For Internazionale Milano, the quest for a nineteenth league title begins Aug. 23.
The club has been very active to build the best possible team with coach Roberto Mancini, signing Stevan Jovetic on loan from Manchester City, Geoffrey Kondogbia from Monaco, Davide Santon (Newcastle), Martin Montoya (Barcelona, on loan), Miranda (Atletico Madrid) and Jonathan Biabiany (free transfer), among others. Colombian defender Jeison Murillo, who is coming off a great performance in Copa America where he was named in the best XI, will bolster the back line. The Montenegrin Jovetic returns to Serie A after two years in Manchester, and will add attacking reinforcements to a side already boasting last year’s Capocannoniere (top scorer), Mauro Icardi. Kondogbia will be a welcome addition in the center of the field after Mateo Kovačić’s transfer to Real Madrid.
Whether you travel as a fan of the Nerazzurri, a tourist of the city or to experience the World Expo, Milan does not disappoint. With the Serie A season about to get underway after an extremely busy transfer period, it’s an exciting time to watch the boys in black and blue in their quest to return to the Champions League and the top of the table.
