Marino Pacileo is a solitary man living in the Vasto area of Naples, a multiethnic suburb close to the train station. He is nicknamed "Gorbaciof" as, like the Soviet leader, has a port-wine stain on his forehead. He is a cashier in the prison at Poggioreale, using his job as a means of funding his gambling addiction. He plays poker in a makeshift gambling house at the back of a Chinese restaurant, and here he meets Lila, daughter of the restaurant's owner. Gorbaciof is fascinated by Lila, whom he starts stalking; and Lila finds herself attracted to this strange man who rescued her from two violent teenagers. In spite of the language barrier (Lila doesn't speak Italian), they start seeing each other.