If you've been outside the U.S. you know that despite whatever the NFL might say, finding someone with an even passing interest in American football isn't always easy. That is, unless you go to Italy and bump into Fausto Batella. Though he's a soccer fan, like pretty much everyone there, Batella is especially passionate about professional American football.

He's played the game in Italy's leagues – so has a cousin of mine! – and he's written a number of books about the sport, in Italian and, now, in English. A couple years back, we told you about his Vince Lombardi book. His new book is called "First and Ten: Pro Football Players Born in Italy." The book – the title of which is pretty self-explanatory – looks at players like Peter Gorgone, Leo Nomellini, Ralph Vince, Dom Cara, Joe Savoldi and others, who were born in the boot and went on to play in the NFL.