The article discusses a pivotal interview that Giorgio Bocca had with Umberto Bossi, the leader of the Lombard League, published in La Repubblica on June 21, 1989. This interview took place shortly after the European elections in which the Lombard League achieved significant success, marking a turning point in regional politics in Italy. Bossi's growing influence was underscored by this electoral triumph, showcasing the shifting landscape of political loyalties in the country.

Bocca's conversation with Bossi delves into the motivations behind the Lombard League's rise and its confrontational stance against the central government in Rome. The league's focus on regional identity and autonomy captured the growing sentiment among Lombards who felt disconnected from national politics. Bocca's questions probe into the aspirations and grievances that fueled the movement, reflecting a broader trend of regionalism in Italy.

This article is not only a historical account of a significant political moment but also serves as a lens through which to view the ongoing discussions about regionalism and identity in Italy today. The implications of Bossi's rhetoric and the Lombard League's goals resonate within contemporary debates about autonomy and local governance, illustrating how these themes have persisted and evolved since the late 1980s.