NYC Italian enclaves left out of the party as World Cup comes to US with Italy on sidelines: ‘Turned the lights off’

The absence of the Italian national team from the upcoming World Cup has left a sour taste in the mouths of New York City’s Italian-American community. With the tournament set to take place in the area, residents of neighborhoods like Arthur Avenue in The Bronx are feeling left out of the excitement.

Arthur Avenue, known for its vibrant Italian culture and culinary scene, is usually abuzz with soccer fans during major tournaments. David Greco, owner of Mike’s Deli, expressed his disappointment at Italy’s failure to qualify once again. The fact that games will be held at the nearby MetLife stadium only adds insult to injury.

This isn’t the first time Italy has missed out on the World Cup, having also failed to qualify in 2018 and 2022. While they did manage to secure a victory in the Euro Cup 2020, the absence of the Azzurri on the world stage is a major blow to fans like Greco.

Orazio Carciotto, owner of Casa Della Mozzarella, echoed the sentiment, lamenting the loss of the excitement and camaraderie that comes with supporting the Italian team. He also expressed concerns about how the absence of Italian games may impact his business, as the matches often bring in customers looking to celebrate with Italian fare.

In Rossville, Staten Island, where a majority of residents have Italian heritage, the disappointment is palpable. Lucille Borgese, owner of Hot Shotz Sports Bar, highlighted the special energy that comes with an Italian crowd rallying behind their team. The absence of Italy as a contender leaves a void that is hard to fill.

For some, like bartender Trina Scotto, the lack of an Italian team also means a potential loss in tips, as Italian Americans are known for their generosity when their team is victorious. The financial impact of Italy’s absence is just another reason why the community is feeling the sting of their team’s failure to qualify.

As the World Cup approaches, Italian fans in New York City are left grappling with the disappointment of not being able to cheer on their beloved Azzurri. While they may have to adopt a new team to support, the love and passion for the game remain strong in these Italian-American neighborhoods, even in the absence of their national team.