Playing for Pizza
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LC Class | PS3557.R5355 P56 2007 | |
Playing for Pizza is a short novel by John Grisham, released on September 25, 2007. The novel is about an itinerant American football player who can no longer get work in the National Football League and whose agent, as a last resort, signs a deal for him to play for the Parma Panthers, in Parma, Italy.
Synopsis
Rick Dockery is a third-string
The Panthers win their first game with Rick, then lose a couple for various reasons, including the loss of his American teammates to homesickness and injury. Despite these problems, Italy and the team are growing on Rick, and he begins to feel some loyalty to them despite the fact that Arnie has found a more lucrative job offer with a more respected CFL team. Rick decides to honor his contract with the Parma Panthers. With renewed resolve, a talented Italian wide receiver, and a new strategy, they win each of their remaining regular-season games, then advance to the playoffs and the Italian Super Bowl, a very close and hard-fought game against their rivals, the Bergamo Lions.
Main characters
- Rick Dockery - Former NFL third string quarterback and Iowa alum who loses his NFL job and winds up playing in Italy for the Parma Panthers.
- Sam Russo - An American who coaches the Panthers.
- Arnie - Rick's agent, who found him the job in Italy playing with the Parma Panthers
- Slydell Turner - Running back from Colorado State, an American who quits early in the season.
- Trey Colby - A .
- Fabrizio - Talented but egotistical Italian-born wide receiver, known to walk off field in the middle of games.
- Giuseppe "Franco" Lazzarino - fullback of the Panthers and Italian judge who sorts out Rick's legal problems. Idolizes Franco Harris.
- Nino - Center, and co-owner of a local restaurant where Rick is introduced to traditional Italian cuisine.
- Maschi - Talented Italian linebacker who plays for rival team, the undefeated Bergamo Lions. Injured on the "Kill Maschi" play, designed by Rick in preparation for their first matchup. Idolizes Lawrence Taylor and demands to be called "L.T." like Taylor.
- Charley Cray - Writer for Cleveland Post, who attacks Rick (in print) following his disastrous performance in his last NFL game, then follows up with more nasty articles after Rick has relocated to Italy.
- Livvy Galloway - American college student studying in Italy, and love interest for Rick.
- Gabriella Ballini - Beautiful opera singer with whom Rick is infatuated.
