Vincenzo Ciuro and Silvio Proto comment on the Red Devils in Italy
On Friday evening, Rome's Olympic Stadium will host the RTL duo Vincenzo Ciuro and Silvio Proto, who will commentate on the Red Devils in Italy for the Nations League. Their presence marks a first for the two Belgians, who combine their journalism profession with national pride.
A Belgian duo at the heart of Italy
Vincenzo Ciuro and Silvio Proto make up a close‑knit duo, known for the particular flavor they bring to each match. Jonathan Lange, editor‑in‑chief of Les Sports+, notes that they will be on the mic from the moment Mark Van Bommel's men step onto the field. The event, part of International Football, takes place under the watch of an attentive Italian audience.
Before heading to the country of their families' origins, the two commentators took a moment to describe the match as “a special affair.” ©Olivier Pirard, Photo News, captures the instant when the Nazionale, described as a great nation, prepares to face the Red Devils. “The Nazionale always carries that great‑nation label, but it’s up to us to make the most of it,” recalls the photographic legend.
Belgian pride and identity
Vincenzo Ciure describes his role as the Holy Grail of a sports journalist: “Commentating on your country's matches, whatever the competition, has been a joy since I arrived in 2022.” It’s a pride he shares with his colleague, reinforced by the feeling that “it’s the Grail.”
Silvio Proto adds that this moment shows there is life after football. He recalls his spells at Anderlecht, at Lazio and elsewhere, while emphasizing that footballers can succeed without the highest education. “When you look at the names on paper, you’re above it,” he explains, thus offering a message of hope.
Commentating from Italy, Proto stresses his roots: “I don’t even consider myself 1% Italian, I’m 100% Belgian.” His grandfather, who came from Italy to work in masonry, allowed the family to dream. The connection with Rome then becomes an emotional reminder of their origins.
Ciuro shares the same mindset. His grandfather, who came to follow his brothers into the mines, was fortunate not to have to work in the mines. “Belgium has given us everything, both me and my family,” he asserts, emphasizing that there is no double allegiance, only a strong Belgian identity.
The two commentators have sometimes been criticised for pronouncing Italian names “the Italian way.” They retort that their knowledge of languages helps them correctly pronounce Italian, Spanish, English and even Portuguese names. This mastery strengthens their credibility with the public.
Hearing the Fratelli d’Italia echo through the Olympic Stadium creates a shared shiver. “It’s a goose‑bumps moment for every sports fan, whatever the nationality,” concludes Ciuro, recalling the same emotion felt during the Brabançonne at the hockey world championships. These exceptional moments underline football’s power as a vector of unity.