On Tuesday evening, Matthieu Pichot will take his place in the changing room and go through his usual pre-match routine. Kit, shin pads, boots, goalie gloves. Sebastien Flochon, the team captain, on one side and right-back Romuald Marie on the other. Marie is usually in charge of the playlist—a mix of rap and modern classics to keep everyone happy—but Pichot will put his headphones on and listens to his own music.
The last song he will put on before going out to warm up is always the same: the official anthem of Roma, the club he has supported since falling in love with Rome on a trip to the city as a youngster.