Former Footballer Matri Shares Health Scare on Italian TV Show
Former footballer Alessandro Matri, who played for clubs including Juventus and Milan, is now a contestant on the Italian dance show "Ballando con le Stelle".
During the program, Matri opened up about a very difficult period in his life, which he described as a "calvario", meaning a painful ordeal.
He revealed that he had once been afraid he might be suffering from Sla, a serious disease that gradually weakens the muscles.
Federica Nargi, Matri's partner, also spoke publicly about their relationship. She said they have been together for 18 years.
Nargi explained that she fell in love with his simplicity, meaning his natural and uncomplicated way of being.
She added that she feels "lost" when she is without him, showing how close the couple remain.
Tonight, Matri will face a new evaluation from the judges on the show, as part of the competition's ongoing format.
The jury is expected to comment on his performance, following what has been described as a sharp remark, or "stoccata", in earlier episodes.
The story has drawn attention mainly because of the personal and emotional nature of Matri's comments, combined with the public interest surrounding his relationship with Nargi.
Viewers and gossip media in Italy have been following the couple's story with interest, as both are well-known public figures.
Vocabulary10 words
- contestant
- a person who takes part in a competition
- ordeal
- a very difficult and painful experience
- Sla
- a serious illness that makes muscles weak over time
- simplicity
- being simple and not complicated
- evaluation
- a judgment about how good something is
- jury
- a group of people who judge a competition
- gossip
- news and talk about famous people's private lives
- relationship
- a close connection between two people
- public figure
- a person who is known by many people
- remark
- a short comment someone makes
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Quiz
Answer key
1. A dance show 2. A fear of having Sla 3. His simplicity
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Former footballer Alessandro Matri, who played for clubs including Juventus and Milan, is now a _____ on the Italian dance show "Ballando con le Stelle".
During the program, Matri opened up about a very difficult period in his life, which he described as a "calvario", meaning a painful _____.
He revealed that he had once been afraid he might be suffering from _____, a serious disease that gradually weakens the muscles.
Federica Nargi, Matri's partner, also spoke publicly about their relationship. She said they have been together for _____ years.
Nargi explained that she fell in love with his _____, meaning his natural and uncomplicated way of being.
She added that she feels "_____" when she is without him.
Tonight, Matri will face a new _____ from the judges on the show.
The _____ is expected to comment on his performance, following an earlier sharp remark.
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