Soccer, il Calcio, in Italy is more than a sport, and more than a pastime. It’s a cultural phenomenon, that unites and divides communities, fuels rivalries, and brings the nation to a standstill during major matches. Calcio is so deeply lived by Italian fans, shaping communities, and places, and weekend schedules, that the other half that doesn’t watch it almost hate it just as deeply. 

“Why does the city have to shut its streets for a soccer game?” you may hear complain in the whereabouts of Stadio Olimpico in Rome. And in the meantime, hundreds of people would be flocking in the stadium chanting their teams’ hymns.

In this article, we try to understand what about soccer captures the hearts and minds of Italians and, if you’re a fan, where are the best places to immerse yourself in this soccer-centered country.

Soccer was introduced in Italy in 1893, when James Richardson Spensley founded Genoa Cricket and Athletic Club, the first Italian soccer clubs. It was, however, only in the 20th century that the sport became popular.  

Big cities first, then smaller ones, then even the tiniest peripheral village began having their big or small soccer team, playing their big or small championship, being – whatever the dimensions of the championship and the number of wins and losses – the pride of the community.

And then there is the national team: all the best players in the country united under the same colors (blue, or better, azzurro) to represent their country in major competition. The years between 1934 and 1938, when Italy won two World Cups in a row, contributed to grow the popularity of soccer in Italy and to shape that pride and patriotism that’s still an important aspect of Italians’ relationship with soccer and the national team in particular.

Even today, if not 100% Italians watch and like soccer, almost all of them follows the games of the national teams during major competitions. 

Would you like to drive through Rome without traffic? Would you like to take a walk after sunset in an empty Italian street? Pick a time when Italia soccer team is playing in the World or European Cup: the streets would be empty because everyone would be watching the game.

The reasons behind Italians’ obsessive relationship with this sport are multiple: 
1.    A sense of pride: the fact that each city has its club create a strong connection between the fan and the team. The players are people they know, that they’ve seen grow up and improve at soccer. This same sense of connection remains with bigger clubs that people watch from the television playing the Serie A, the major soccer championship in the country.
2.    A sense of community: soccer games are only rarely watched alone in Italy. A soccer game on Sunday is a moment to share with family and friends, and that’s why it becomes so important in the fans’ lives: it creates important memories, it builds friendship, it goes watching guys kicking a ball on the grass.
3.    Historically, soccer has given Italians relief during difficult times. During World War II and in the years that followed peace, Italians were extremely poor and soccer was a form of entertainment that helped them digress from problems and find connections.

San Siro, in Milan, home to AC Milan and Inter Milan, is one of the most iconic stadiums in the world. Known for its electrifying atmosphere and unique architecture, it holds over 75,000 fans, making it a must-visit for any soccer enthusiast. 

Stadio Olimpico, in Rome, is home to both AS Roma and Lazio, creating huge rivalry between the two teams and fan communities. With a capacity of over 70,000, it hosts major events, including Coppa Italia finals and international matches, in an unforgettable setting. 

Named after the legendary footballer, Stadio Diego Armando Maradona is the heart of Napoli’s fervent fanbase. This historic venue, seating around 54,000, is renowned for its vibrant and passionate atmosphere during matches. 

If you’re passionate about the history of soccer, you can’t miss a visit to Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa, one of Italy’s oldest stadiums located in the place where Italian soccer began over a century ago. With a seating capacity of 36,600, it’s celebrated for its intimate atmosphere and historic significance in Italian football. 

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