Enjoy, Sports! THey have a different sort of football over there, though the season is over. If you think we're over the top optimistic homer-fans, you should check out the irrational passion of, say, a Lazio fan or a Roma supporter. Or any Italian fan, for that matter. But you might want to tone down your "reality check" comments--they take it very peronal.
Ciao! If you need someone else to assist you in traveling to Italy on someone else's dime, don't hesitiate to IM me.