Claudio Tamborra (Roma Club New York) and Rosario Procino (Napoli Club NYC) discuss rivalry, legends, and predictions in a rare face-to-face conversation.

In New York City, thousands of miles away from the Olimpico and the Maradona, passion for Serie A burns just as fiercely. Ahead of Roma–Napoli, SMIT sat down for an unusual double interview with Claudio Tamborra, Vice President of the Roma Club New York, and Rosario Procino, President of the Napoli Club New York.
Moderated by Guglielmo Timpano, the conversation moved between rivalry and mutual respect, nostalgia and banter, Maradona and Totti, ending with a bold question—would they sign for a draw on Sunday?

The Interview

Guglielmo Timpano: Smith’s friends, we have a surprise for you: a double interview with the Vice President of the Roma Club New York, Claudio Tamborra, and the President of the Napoli Club New York, Rosario Procino. Enjoy—and on Sunday, may the best team win.
So, first question: what do Napoli and Roma fans have in common?

Rosario Procino: Nothing…(laughs). Passion, for sure.

Claudio Tamborra: Hopefully nothing! (laughs) But jokes aside, I’d say both fanbases share a deep love for their team, their colors, and their city.

On the broken “twinning” between the two fanbases

Timpano: Roma and Napoli supporters were once twinned. Could that friendship ever return, or has the divide grown too deep?

Procino: I grew up during those years, so I know very well what it meant. Today it’s difficult—the fracture goes beyond football and outside the stadium. But there’s always hope, right?

Tamborra: I was born in the mid-80s, so by the time I grew up the gemellaggio del Sole was basically gone. Personally, I don’t think it will come back. But it’s also not something I “miss,” because I never truly experienced it.

If you could take one player from the other team…

Timpano: If you could take one player away from the other side, who would it be?

Procino: Is there another question? (laughs) Maybe Pellegrini. I like him, even if he hasn’t been at his best recently.

Tamborra: I really like Scott McTominay. He’s a great player, had an amazing season last year. I’d definitely take him off Napoli’s XI. I’d be thrilled if he couldn’t play on Sunday.

Top three players in club history

Timpano: Your podium of the greatest Roma players ever—first three names that come to mind.

Procino: Bruno Conti, Falcao, and Totti.

Tamborra: Totti, Falcao, Conti.

Timpano: And for Napoli?

Procino: Can I say Maradona, Maradona, Maradona? He’s above everyone.

Tamborra: Maradona, obviously—we all agree. Then Careca. And from the players I’ve seen, either Hamsik or Cavani. I’ll go with Hamsik.

The question of all questions: Totti or Maradona?

Timpano: Who was greater: Totti or Maradona?

Procino: There’s no question. Totti is, in my opinion, among the top three to five players ever. But Maradona is beyond even those. Another world, another dimension.
…And yes, that was easy.

Tamborra: Easy! Totti (laughs) I’m joking, it’s not easy, but for me it’s always Totti. No matter what—Totti is my God. I believe in Totti, I trust in Totti. I stick with him.

Prediction time

Timpano: Your prediction for Sunday?

Procino: I don’t like making predictions. I just want the team to play like it’s a World Cup final from the first to the last minute. Then we’ll accept whatever result—if they give everything.

Tamborra: It’s going to be a very, very tough match. We need to stay locked in until the last second—and even one second more. The game ends at 90+1. That’s how long we need to stay focused.

Would you sign for a draw?

Timpano: If I give you a pen—would you sign for a draw? Yes or no, and why?

Procino: No. Absolutely not. Winning is the only option. Then whatever happens, happens. But you must play to win.

Tamborra: Yes, I’d sign it. A draw would still keep us first, right? So yes—I’d take a draw. It wouldn’t be a bad result.

Timpano: Thank you both, and good luck to everyone.

Procino: Bye!