The Champion (2019 film)

The Champion (Italian: Il campione) is a 2019 Italian comedy-drama film co-written and directed by Leonardo D'Agostini, in his directorial debut.

The Champion
Directed by	Leonardo D'Agostini
Screenplay by	Giulia Steigerwalt Leonardo D'Agostini Antonella Lattanzi
Produced by	Matteo Rovere Sydney Sibilia
Starring	Stefano Accorsi Andrea Carpenzano
Cinematography	Michele Paradisi
Edited by	Gianni Vezzosi
Music by	Ratchev & Carratello
Release date	2019 (2019)
Language	Italian

Plot

A talented but undisciplined 20-year-old football striker, Christian Ferro, has a rich contract with AS Roma, but his lack of professionalism angers the club's president, who gives him an ultimatum: either he gets his high school diploma or he will put out of the squad until his contract expires. Valerio Fioretti, a former high school teacher, is employed to assist him in this assignment.

Cast

• Stefano Accorsi as Valerio Fioretti
• Andrea Carpenzano as Christian Ferro
• Ludovica Martino as Alessia
• Mario Sgueglia as Nico
• Camilla Semino Favro as Paola
• Yuliia Sobol as Sylvie
• Anita Caprioli as Cecilia
• Massimo Popolizio as Tito Rigoni
• Sergio Romano as Enzo
• Gabriel Montesi as Mauretto

Production

Director Leonardo D'Agostini declared he got his inspiration for the film by Mario Balotelli's turbulent tenure at AC Milan, and by the club's decision to pair him with a tutor.^[1]

Release

The film was released in Italian cinemas on 18 March 2019.^[2]

Reception

The film won two Nastro d'Argento Awards, for best new director and best producer.^[3] It was also nominated for two David di Donatello Awards, for best new director and best supporting actor (Accorsi).^[4]