Meaning
To support someone or a team.
Cultural Background
The 'Nazionale' (National Team) is the only thing that unites all 'tifosi', regardless of their local club loyalties. In Naples, 'fare il tifo' for the local team (SSC Napoli) is deeply tied to city identity and social pride, often seen as a form of resistance against the richer Northern clubs. Young Italians often use 'fare il tifo' on Instagram to support their favorite influencers or 'trap' artists. Programs like 'Amici' or 'X-Factor' rely on the 'tifo' of the audience to drive voting and engagement.
Use it for exams!
It's the most natural way to support a student friend.
Don't forget 'il'
Saying 'faccio tifo' sounds like 'I make typhus'. Always include 'il'.
Meaning
To support someone or a team.
Use it for exams!
It's the most natural way to support a student friend.
Don't forget 'il'
Saying 'faccio tifo' sounds like 'I make typhus'. Always include 'il'.
The 'Tifoso' identity
If you want to sound like a local, say 'Sono un tifoso sfegatato' (I'm a die-hard fan).
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'fare'.
Io ______ il tifo per la Ferrari.
The subject is 'Io', so the correct conjugation of 'fare' is 'faccio'.
Choose the correct preposition.
Noi facciamo il tifo ____ te!
The expression 'fare il tifo' always takes the preposition 'per'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Domani ho un esame importante. B: Davvero? Allora ________________!
This is the standard way to encourage a friend.
Match the Italian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are all related terms for supporting a team.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIo ______ il tifo per la Ferrari.
The subject is 'Io', so the correct conjugation of 'fare' is 'faccio'.
Noi facciamo il tifo ____ te!
The expression 'fare il tifo' always takes the preposition 'per'.
A: Domani ho un esame importante. B: Davvero? Allora ________________!
This is the standard way to encourage a friend.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all related terms for supporting a team.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes! It's very common for exams, jobs, and personal goals.
Yes, 'tifare per' is a more direct verb form of the same expression.
No, it's neutral to informal. Use 'sostenere' in formal writing.
Related Phrases
tifare
synonymTo root for
sostenere
similarTo support
in bocca al lupo
builds onGood luck
essere un fan
similarTo be a fan
