The Italians.

SBS Journalist Massimiliano Civili with Marco Bresciano.

Massimiliano, or Max, as he's known has a wonderful job. Working for SBS radio he wanders around interviewing people from Italy, Australia, Iraq, Oman, China, Croatia, Myanmar or wherever.

Unlike me, he's here for the whole tournament

He interviews them in English, unless he can speak the lingo, and they respond in their language. The interviews go out on the various SBS radio ethnic shows.

Listening to him talk Italian with Marco Bresciano. The body language and gestures were fascinating. Seems to me Bresciano, Mark Viduka and Carl Valeri all relaxed just a little more when interviewed in Italian or Croatian by Max.

Marco Bresciano: Three years football without a break.

Marco Bresciano, Palermo and Socceroo star.

Did you know Marco Bresciano hasn't had a break from football for three years. Yes he missed the Confederation Cup, because he was involved in a relegation battle with Palma. Then he had the World Cup which required a step up in tempo.

And this summer (Northern) he has the heat of Bangkok to contend with.

Now I know they are professionals. And I know they get paid a ton of dosh, but if they don't perform they are quickly and brutally criticised.

And if you are running everyday for three years, with another fifty weeks ahead of you, something has to give, doesn't it.

If not the mind, then certainly the body.

So next time a Socceroo has an off day, give them a lift.

It's amazing how a positive crowd can lift a team.

And of course Marco Bresciano scored that goal. That goal against Uruguay. Without him, John Aloisi could never have taken his shirt off.

Marco, your mates are leaving Palermo!

SBS Radio journo Massimiliano Civili gives Marco the goss!

Who is that in the background?

The guys started with the whole Italian thing. One worse than the other. I didn't have a clue what was going on, but the hands went to the hips and the odd gesture was made. They were singing, fluent the pair of them.

"Okay Massimiliano what did he say."

"I told him three guys had left Palermo, two to Torino." said Massimiliano.

"That's not good for him is it?" I deduce

"No."

"Did he know."

"I don't know. He seemed surprised but he might have just been testing my knowledge." said Massimiliano.

Reading the body language, not knowing a word of Italian, I reckon Marco didn't know. He seemed a decent guy, like all the Socceroos I've met.

Patient, and willing to make themselves available. I'm impressed.