The Italian Almanac

Italian News - June 20

Francesco Totti, captain of the AS Roma soccer team, married television showgirl Ilary Blasi on Sunday in a ceremony that drew hundreds of soccer fans to a downtown church.

The nuptials, in the Ara Coeli church overlooking the Roman Forum, were televised live on SkyTG-24, which dedicated an hours-long special to the couple, including interviews with Rome's mayor and Totti's old school teachers and friends.

Hundreds of fans lined up outside the church to get a glimpse of Totti, one of Rome's most popular celebrities, and Blasi, who is pregnant with their first child.

Totti, 28, has played his entire career with Roma, making his Serie A debut at the age of 16 and leading the club to the 2000-2001 league title.