In times like these, a feel-good story is a balm for a downtrodden soul. Seeing someone get a win is like a win for all of us. And in Italy there is no greater win than espresso. So when COVID-19 restrictions eased in Rome and Italians are able to once again visit their beloved coffee bars, the world rejoices with them.

One of the European countries hit first by the coronavirus, Italy has spent much of the pandemic in lockdown, unable to take part in a foundational part of daily life: stopping in a nearby cafe for a quick espresso. During this time, many Italians found themselves dusting off the old reliable Moka Pot for a homemade fix.