The Champion

Young Christian Ferro (Andrea Carpenzano) is a born striker and the pride of A.S. Roma. The cosseted football star is always up for anything, but the excesses in the celebrity’s private life are starting to jeopardise a promising career. A radical decision from the club president isn’t long in coming, and personal tutor Valerio (Stefano Accorsi) appears on the scene facing a seemingly impossible task. Talented Leonardo D’Agostini’s fine debut, an intelligent comedy that goes behind the scenes of one of the best loved football clubs, will delight even those who think ball sports are ridiculous. (Karlovy Vary International Film Festival)