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Scott Balaam

@scottbalaam.bsky.social

My life has come full circle - I’m back in Italy … teaching in #Florence with regular trips to #Rome. I used to do a bit of #sport and #travel writing and occasionally dust off the keyboard and create something. Love #SSLazio, #Calcio & #Watfordfc.

249 Followers  |  141 Following  |  365 Posts  |  Joined: 11.08.2024
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Posts by Scott Balaam (@scottbalaam.bsky.social)

It’s great watching Roma fans leave the Olimpico after a defeat or draw - I often feel they leave faster than rats leaving the Titanic!

#Romamerda

01.03.2026 21:43 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

That sums up my dad!

And same … they always make me feel uncomfortable!

27.02.2026 12:07 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

Yesterday #Atalanta’s comeback against Dortmund was very impressive - and #Juventus nearly managed to turn around their game as well.

I fully expect #Fiorentina to go through comfortably but all eyes are on #Bologna.

Will be interesting to see if they can hold onto their slim lead.

26.02.2026 17:09 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

It’s funny you mention the ambulances - my old
man loves them and the police car sirens. I one point I think he saved them for his ring tone!

26.02.2026 17:02 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0

Ha ha ha brillant! That’s fantastic!

26.02.2026 14:55 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

Groundhopping in Italy 🇮🇹⚽

Not just matches — but ultras, medieval towns, flares, regional rivalries & stadiums full of history.

From San Siro to Serie D terraces with 500 fans.

Which Italian ground should every fan visit?

tibsnews.co.uk/calcio-amore/g…

#Groundhopping #Calcio

26.02.2026 10:53 — 👍 5    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0

That looks really fun! Something I’d like to try for sure

26.02.2026 10:53 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
Preview
Serie A 2025–26 fixture dates: When fans will know the kick-off times - TIBS News The anticipation surrounding a new Serie A season is always high, with supporters eager to mark their calendars for the biggest clashes on the Italian football calendar.  For the 2025–26 season, the f...

The next Serie A fixtures are out soon 🇮🇹⚽

But when will the remaining kick-off times be confirmed?

Lega Serie A published a structured timeline back in the summer.

If you’re planning an Italy trip, read this first

www.tibsnews.co.uk/calcio-amore...

#SerieA #ItalianFootball #Calcio

25.02.2026 13:00 — 👍 4    🔁 3    💬 0    📌 0
Preview
Floyd Mayweather to fight Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas on September 19 - TIBS News Floyd Mayweather will fight long-time rival Manny Pacquiao in a professional rematch in September, 11 years on from their original showdown. On Friday night, Mayweather revealed that he will be steppi...

Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao II is happening in September in Las Vegas. Are you excited for this fight? Let us know. #MayPac2

24.02.2026 15:25 — 👍 1    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
Preview
Domenica Bastardi – Game 26 of 38: Lazio Frustrated in Cagliari as controversial red card sparks penalty debate - TIBS News Following the frustrating home defeat to in-form Atalanta, next up was an away trip to Sardinia to face Cagliari. At the start of the season this was one of the fixtures I had circled immediately. An ...

Was it inside the box?

Lazio’s red card incident in Cagliari raises serious VAR questions.

Free kick given — but it looked like a penalty to me.

Next: Torino away. Big week ahead.

🔵⚪ #Lazio #SerieA #VAR
www.tibsnews.co.uk/calcio-amore...

24.02.2026 10:47 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Preview
Six Nations round three review: Ireland humble England, France chase Grand Slam, Italy show real progress - TIBS News Round Three of the 2026 Six Nations may well prove to be the decisive weekend of the championship. Records were broken, pressure intensified, and the title picture became clearer. At this stage, it fe...

Ireland make history at Twickenham 🇮🇪
France march towards a Grand Slam 🇫🇷
Italy show real growth 🇮🇹
England wobble and Wales struggle 🏉

Round Three may have defined the 2026 Six Nations

www.tibsnews.co.uk/othersports/...

#SixNations #IrelandRugby #FranceRugby #ENGvIRE #RugbyUnion

23.02.2026 13:10 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

Ha ha ha disaster!

19.02.2026 15:25 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

For tea we get friends to bring over Barry’s Tea from Ireland - Liosa wouldn’t be without that! Next time I have visitors I might ask for them to bring some bacon and white pudding (if coming from Ireland).

19.02.2026 14:06 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0

Bacon sarnies … that’s very true! Me too! Yes, the ‘bacon’ here just isn’t the same!

19.02.2026 13:51 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
Preview
Verona Campione: The Miracle of 85 From the publisher: The amazing underdog story of how Hellas Verona conquered the giants of Italian football to become Serie A champions. Published to mark the 40th anniversary of Verona’s achievement...

Once again a massive thanks to @stanchionbooks.bsky.social for restocking Verona Campione!

They’ve got an amazing selection of football related books, magazines, fanzines, kids books + more!

stanchionbooks.com/products/ver...

19.02.2026 07:56 — 👍 9    🔁 4    💬 0    📌 0

Do you miss anything about living in the UK? I think I have only lived in the UK for 5 years in the last 23 years. I miss seeing my family but not much else if I’m honest. I think I miss more from when I lived in Ireland. I don’t think we will leave Italy now!

19.02.2026 13:41 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
Preview
Domenica Bastardi – Game 25 of 38: Lazio vs Atalanta: Boycott shadows Olimpico as Palladino’s revival meets Lazio resilience - TIBS News After the mixed emotions of the 2–2 draw in Turin against Juventus, we were back in Rome to face Atalanta. We managed to draw 0–0 in Bergamo earlier this season when they were still managed by ex-Roma...

From a Valentine’s night vs Bayern to 8,585 inside the Olimpico.

The boycott continues, but Lazio showed resilience against Palladino’s resurgent Atalanta.

Hope ahead of the Coppa Italia semi-final?

Next: Cagliari & Torino

#Lazio #SerieA

www.tibsnews.co.uk/calcio-amore...

19.02.2026 10:53 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

It was embarrassing! I don’t mind them and I’m not anti-Wrexham but that was painful

17.02.2026 11:25 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0

Very sad - he had a good innings but still sad. A real legend.

17.02.2026 11:24 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Preview
Domenica Bastardi – Game 24 of 38: Banned fans, late equaliser and a point that felt like two lost - TIBS News Juventus away is always one of the hardest fixtures of the season. Even in years when the Bianconeri are transitioning or inconsistent, the trip to Turin carries weight, tension and history. This time...

Juventus 2-2 Lazio.

A big point in Turin — but it felt like two lost.

No away fans. Late Juve equaliser. Referee controversy (this time frustrating the Bianconeri).

And the Ultras had already chosen not to travel.

www.tibsnews.co.uk/calcio-amore...

#Lazio #Juventus #SerieA

17.02.2026 11:23 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Preview
Domenica Bastardi – Game 21 of 38: Lazio vs Como - Early goal, Curva defiance and a miserable night at the Olimpico - TIBS News Despite the victory against Hellas Verona, I was still struggling to feel any real optimism ahead of the visit of Como. This season’s adventure had begun back in August, when we were beaten 2–0 and co...

Another long night at the Olimpico.

An early goal killed Lazio vs Como almost instantly.

The Curva is still backing Sarri — but optimism is fading fast.

🦅⚪️🔵

#Lazio #DomenicaBastardi #CurvaNord

www.tibsnews.co.uk/calcio-amore...

06.02.2026 10:26 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

Wow - I can imagine. Looks a better option though than Florence’s overpriced wine windows!

They are now just there for the tourists with average wine at best!

I suspect this would be a fun experience!

05.02.2026 22:13 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

That’s really cool!

05.02.2026 21:55 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0

And I think legitimate favourites - the final game could well be the decider!

05.02.2026 21:53 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0

I bet - I fancy France to win the competition. Playing Ireland and England at home helps for sure.

05.02.2026 21:09 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0

Big money but I’d say if you’re a fan it will be a great experience - a real bucket list item!

05.02.2026 21:02 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0

Ha ha I’m always a #anyonebutfrance at sport bar Gaël Monfils (who I loved watching) … but I must admit France have looked very good tonight.

05.02.2026 21:01 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0

What sort of prices are tickets for the Super Bowl? I’m not an American Football fan but I’d say that that would be something special to attend.

05.02.2026 20:58 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0

While I wasn’t a fan of charging for the Trevi I like this idea - it doesn’t help me but it’s great for Rome’s residents. Maybe Florence could do something similar but not sure what they could start charging for that isn’t already being charged for!

05.02.2026 20:56 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

Sadly France have dominated - a big statement performance (so far).

Feel it’s going to be a re-build year for Ireland.

#sixnations #FRAvIRL

05.02.2026 20:53 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0