In an exotic place, three Italian tourists decide to escape the boredom of the holiday village.

In front of a closed restaurant there are three waiters in their forties. The restaurant has been closed since a week, but they haven't been paid for months and can't wait any longer. The owner has given them an appointment to pay a part, but he is late.

Arrogant, self-centered movie director Guido Contini finds himself struggling to find meaning, purpose, and a script for his latest film endeavor. With only a week left before shooting begins, he desperately searches for answers and inspiration from his wife, his mistress, his muse, and his mother.

Italian police inspector Coliandro — an ignorant, boorish, but fundamentally kind-hearted oaf, whose entire worldview is informed by American cop movies — protects the good citizens of Bologna, routinely saving the day and foiling the plans of evildoers of all sorts by a combination of dumb luck and genuine bravery, while always falling hopelessly in love with the woman at the center of the case.

Four stories about football.