ITALIAN JOURNEY – PROGRAMME 2

MILAN – THE FIRST CITY?

There is a very strong sense of regional identity in Italy, and James wants to know how the inhabitants of the richest city in Italy see themselves, what they think of the other Italians, and how they react to the accusation that life in Milan is tough and unpleasant.

He takes a ride on one of the city’s historic trams with a real Milanese -  Germano Azzoni.

James: I’ve been told that Milan is the second city in Italy.  Is that true?

Germano Azzoni: No, it’s the first!

James: The first!  But in terms of population, it’s Rome,isn’t it?

Germano Azzoni: Yes, of course, of course.  The Milanese have always considered their city the moral capital of the country.

James: The moral capital?!

Germano Azzoni: Of course.  Because, according to the Milanese, Rome is a den of vice, immorality and corruption.

James: But this is… capital cities are always corrupt.  But Milan is also the business capital, isn’t it?

Germano Azzoni: Of business, finance, industry.  And we Milanese don’t follow fashion – we create it!

James: The Milanese are proud and …

Germano Azzoni: They’re also arrogant!

James: Is that what other Italians say?

Germano Azzoni: The Milanese are a bit arrogant.  They’re wealthy.  Any hotelier who has a Milanese for a client is lucky because when they’re on holiday they’re generous with their money.  They’re generous, yes.  You expect them to be generous and above all they love work.  Look at that!  That is a building which belongs to the Assicurazioni Generali company.  Look at the beautiful… the beautiful decoration.  Assicurazioni Generali is the country’s largest insurance company and had a very famous employee - Franz Kafka!  Yes, Kafka used to work for Generali in Prague.  Milan is certainly not Florence, or Rome, but we have a few writers as well.  Maybe we buy our culture!

James: So why have we come here?

Germano Azzoni: First of all because as an Italian and a European I owe a debt to the Romans, because they gave us civilisation.  We can laugh at the Romans, but it’s a fact.  European civilisation wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for the Romans.

James: And is this a special place for you?

Germano Azzoni: Yes, it’s a special place because in a certain sense it represents all of Milan – Milan two thousand years ago and Milan today.  The fact that the city is constantly changing, building and re-building.

James: Is Milan still changing?

Germano Azzoni: Yes, it is changing, it has to change, it must.  Milan changes, it works, it innovates.  Milan drives the country’s economy. 

James: And does the work ethic change too?

Germano Azzoni: Well, I have always worked in big companies. I used to go to work in a jacket and tie.  My son, on the other hand, goes to work at ten in the morning and sits in front of a computer.  He dresses terribly, but he works a ten-hour day.

James: Ah, he works.

Germano Azzoni: He does.

James: He’s Milanese. 

Germano Azzoni: Yes, he’s Milanese. 

James: Thank you.

Germano Azzoni: You’re welcome.  Thank you.  Let’s go!