For broadcasters Vincenzo Ciuro and Silvio Proto, stepping into the commentary booth to cover the Belgian national team carries a deep personal resonance, especially as the Red Devils prepare to face Italy in Rome. Rather than feeling torn by their family heritage, both commentators view the assignment through a singular lens of national pride rooted in their families’ migration histories.
A Lifelong Ambition in the Commentary Booth
For sports journalists and broadcasters, covering a major international fixture involving their home nation represents the pinnacle of the profession. Vincenzo Ciuro, who has covered the Red Devils since 2022, described the assignment as an extraordinary professional milestone. Alongside him, Silvio Proto approaches the fixture with a distinct sense of accomplishment, noting that transitioning successfully into broadcasting after a playing career across clubs like Anderlecht and Lazio proves that athletes can build meaningful post-football careers without traditional academic paths.
Rooted in Italian Heritage, Defined by Belgian Identity
The fixture at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico holds unique emotional weight given the broadcasters’ family backgrounds. Proto’s grandfather migrated from Italy to work in masonry, while Ciuro’s family history similarly involves relatives who worked in Belgian mines. Despite these roots, both commentators reject the notion of divided loyalties ahead of kickoff. Proto firmly stated that he considers himself entirely Belgian, expressing deep gratitude for the opportunities the country provided his family. Ciuro echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that while the fixture against their ancestral homeland carries a unique flavor after 20 years in the profession, their identity and allegiance remain steadfastly with Belgium.
Pronunciation and Matchday Atmosphere
International fixtures often bring unique broadcast challenges, including public scrutiny over player name pronunciations. Ciuro addressed past criticism regarding his handling of Italian player names on social media, noting that accurate pronunciation remains a core standard whether covering Spanish, English, or Italian athletes. Meanwhile, the sensory experience of hearing national anthems like the Fratelli d’Italia reverberate through the Stadio Olimpico delivers a powerful atmosphere that resonates with players, fans, and broadcasters alike.
As kickoff approaches in Rome, both commentators emphasize that maintaining journalistic impartiality remains the priority, even as their personal support for the squad stays firmly intact.
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