After a six-episode mini-series about a half-decent European Championship 35 years ago, it was a challenge to produce something even nerdier. But we’ve only jolly well managed it. Welcome to the inaugural Nessun Dorma Draft, a shameless, ahem, homage to the movie drafts on The Big Picture.
Given our commitment to Pavarotti, we had to start in Italy in the summer of 1990. Martyn, Gary and Rob are joined by Mac Millings to pick their XIs from a tournament full of superstars.
The rules of the draft are simple:
Each player can only be picked by one person. When Andy Brehme has gone, he’s gone.
Players are judged solely on their form during Italia 90. Thus: Salvatore Schillaci good, Marco van Basten bad.
Managers must announce their planned formation before the draft begins.
You decide who wins the draft. Go to Twitter, X or whatever it’s called today to choose which team you think is the best. The poll will close at midday on Friday (UK time).
As well as giving four ageing men a frankly disproportionate thrill, the draft is an excuse to eulogise the players we loved at Italia 90, and to make snide comments about each other’s selections.
You can view our teams in formation by clicking here, though you may want to leave that until after you’ve listened to the pod.
The first rule of Draft Club is… YOU MUST TALK ABOUT DRAFT CLUB. The more people who download the podcast, the more tragically exquisitely nerdy drafts we can do, so please spread the word. And send your ideas for future drafts to @nessundormapod.
S5 Ep7: The Nessun Dorma Draft: Italia 90