Ancient Times

Greece – the birthplace of democracy and the Olympic Games. Famous for philosophers such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. In warfare, Athens and Sparta combined to defeat the Persians, whilst Alexander the Great created one of the largest empires in history.

Italy – home of the Roman Empire, founded by Romulus and Remus. Ruled by famous Emperors such as Julius Caeser, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero.

Above all were the Gods. The Greeks worshipped Zeus, Aphrodite, Ares, Hades, Hermes and Poseidon. The Romans referred to these Gods as Jupiter, Venus, Mars, Pluto, Mercury and Neptune.

Modern Times

In modern times, in footy mad Melbourne, other deities would emerge.

Names such as Koutoufides, Christou, Lekkas, Malakellis, Marcou, Rombotis and Zaharakis (Greece).

Others included DiPierdomenico, Silvagni, Alessio, Camporeale, Fevola, Liberatore, Mercuri, Misiti, Riccardi and Rocca (Italy).

Such has been the impact of both Greek and Italian footballers at the highest level, an official Italian Team of the Century and a Greek Team of the Century have been named.

At grassroots level, the Italians and Greeks continue to play footy throughout Australia.

So which team is better – Greece or Italy? If they played each other in a stand alone match, who would win? It’s time to find out!