WORLD CUP USA ‘94: ROUND OF 16 : Spotlight : WARMING UP IN ITALY

Americans are traditionalists when it comes to pregame hosts. We have Bob Costas and Greg Gumbel.

In Italy, however, pregame World Cup coverage on RAI, the state broadcasting company, begins with an hourlong burlesque show, hosted by Valeria Marini and Alba Parietti.

“Palpitating Valeria and pounding Alba are the first soubrettes to have been given the job of hosting a soccer program,” London’s Sunday Telegraph reports.

An estimated 7 million Italians reportedly tune in.

The women admittedly don’t know much about soccer X’s and O’s, so they spend most of the hour on the stage in various stages of undress.

“Being vapid is my job,” Valeria is quoted as saying. “You need a bit of silliness to help distract people from everyday problems.”