When his playing days were over, Ray Wilkins proved to be an astute and insightful analyst not only of domestic football, but also commentating alongside James Richardson on Channel 4’s much-missed Football Italia programme.
Broadcast on Sunday afternoons for a decade from 1992, Football Italia showed live games and highlights from the Serie A league. Attracting more than three million viewers at its peak, it was a cut above other footballing programmes, often showing us something of the history and culture of the Italian cities that were hosting the various matches.
In particular I remember that Ray was always generous in his praise of the silky skills of a fellow artist, Roberto Mancini, as well as being ready to acknowledge the supporting contributions of journeymen performers.
