The Sopranos is one of the great television series of all time and really set the watermark when it comes to the expansive TV drama. It's hard to believe, but the 25th anniversary of the iconic series' premiere is this Wednesday.
Over the course of six seasons, the HBO show became the darling of many a couch potato.
The show took on many sports in its various storylines, always colourfully depicted in front of the backdrop of a Mafia dynasty. Indeed the central character of Tony Soprano has a background in American football which is referenced throughout the show and as the narrative of the Soprano clan progresses we see these characters come into contact with various aspects of the sporting world. Here are the seven greatest sporting moments of the Sopranos.
The greatest sporting moments in The Sopranos
7. Janice's passion for girls' soccer
Janice Soprano, one of the more annoying characters on the show, shows a short fuse when watching her daughter playing football.
6. Anthony Junior's promising American football career
Much like his father AJ Soprano also had a promising career in American football. After warming the bench for much of the game AJ comes on for his team making a telling impact. He is later given the role of defensive captain by his coach but faints as soon as the coach tells him.
5. Junior gets under Tony's skin about his college football days
Tony gets offended after his Uncle repeatedly undermines his college football career. This is the equivalent of scolding the promising minor that could've made county only for the drink got him.
4. Silvio's passion for girls soccer
Silvio Dante was one one the more likeable mafiosos in the Soprano mob. He could still lose his temper at times though, with this clip showing him get very hot under the collar over some refereeing decision . He wouldn't look out of place in an underage GAA match with that carry on.
3. Tony's Kills Ralph Cifaretto Over A Racehorse
Tony's love of animals is well documented over the course of the show and was evident when he bought a racehorse with his criminal associate Ralph Cifaretto. They named the horse "Pie-Oh-My" and despite some health problems was a successful investment for them. Then out of the blue before a big race a fire in the stables means that Pie-Oh-My has to be put down. Tony visits Ralph and accuses him of starting the fire and what unfolds is one of the best scenes with two of the most fascinating characters in the show.
2. Tony and Silvio shadow boxing
A light-hearted entry at number two Tony and his consigliere Silvio shadow box to the soundtrack from Raging Bull.
1. Tony putting Uncle Junior off his game
There were many scenes on the links over the course of the series but the one that sticks in the mind is Tony getting right under Corrado 'Junior' Sopranos' skin with some not so subtle jokes about his proclivity for cunnilingus. Has to go down as one of the funniest scenes in the show.
SEE ALSO: Watch: Play About England Football Team Under Southgate Looks Extremely Cringe
