Juventus Americans Spark Italy Outrage Over Cuisine Criticism

Juventus midfielders Weston McKennie and Timothy Weah sparked widespread outrage in Italy after criticizing Italian cuisine during a Juventus Talk With Us podcast. McKennie stated that Italian food lacks variety, describing it as repetitively pasta, pizza, fish, and steak, and contrasted this with the diverse flavors found in American restaurants even when serving similar dishes. Weah added that he prefers Italian-American food over authentic Italian fare. Their remarks prompted a strong backlash, notably from former Italian goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano, who mockingly suggested Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni should revoke their visas and condemned the American food culture. Viviano emphasized that Italian cuisine is rich and varied, while characterizing American food as mostly imported and repetitive, even humorously claiming Americans would deep-fry shoes. The controversy highlights cultural sensitivities around national cuisine and has united many Italians in defense of their food heritage.