Milan-Roma, Europa League: a “fake” European challenge for an old Italian rivalry

Let me start by saying that the Italian “derbies” in Europe are, personally, the least fascinating thing that could exist. Continental competitions have the added value of putting you face to face with distant, often hostile realities, which you otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to see in action. They then give the opportunity to travel beyond national borders and, in some ways, fully measure the value of a fan base. On the contrary, going to Milan, Florence, Rome or Naples for the thousandth time, having to comply with the Italian protocol relating to public order and ticket sales, knowing the stadium environment inside out, greatly lowers both the appeal and the ‘adrenaline. The conversation would have been different if these challenges had happened twenty or thirty years ago, when our movement was at its peak, in some ways unmanageable and – on the other hand – many abroad were in the early stages of organized support, while still others went to the stadium to folkloristically watch the match and that was it. It is no coincidence that we all remember the European challenges between Italians – especially in the nineties. Both on the pitch and in the stands. Let’s also assume, in this case, that San Siro on the visiting fans front it has become really bad: fans perched at sidereal distances in the Third Ring, division of the sector in two for structural reasons and mass of “normal” supporters who face the Milanese trip as the most disjointed of trips.

For the first time in history, the Giallorossi and Rossoneri meet in Europe. The Rome/Milan clashes, in fact, for now had only concerned Inter, winners of two UEFA with Roma (1991) and Lazio (1998). While the Devil is fresh from the double Italian clash in the last one Champions League, when they got the better of Napoli in the Quarterfinals but had to give way to Inter in the Semifinal. On paper it is still an interesting challenge, marked by a historic rivalry and capable of sending sold out the Scala del Calcio in a few days, including the guest sector, with five thousand Capitoline fans ready to go, plus several hundred crowded in every sector of the stadium. In this regard, I want to open a small parenthesis on the prices, at least on those relating to the sectors occupied by organized supporters: for the Roman supporters the ticket cost 35 euros, while for the hosts 45. Given that for me we always talk about absurd prices, it is even more absurd – however – to note that for the return match Roma even asked for 53 (fifty-three!) euros for the Curve and 47 for the away sector. Shameful prices, true. But unfortunately made possible by the usual indifference of Italian fans on these issues.

Arriving in the city early enough, I cannot help but notice the cosmopolitan nature, to say the least, of the Lombard capital, even when it comes to football: hordes of tourists with red and black scarves around their necks are preparing, in all likelihood, to go to the stadium. It’s something – to be honest – that I understand little and tolerate even less, even when I encounter it in Rome. The non-tolerance is given above all by thinking that most of those coupons should end up in the hands of those who really support the team in question and not to tourists (or even worse, agencies) whose sole purpose is to take selfies and make squalid videos with your cell phone to post on social media. But, alas, the appeal of some companies has been deliberately channeled towards foreign markets for understandable commercial reasons and, logically, these are the consequences. Let’s also say that, in the case of Milan and Inter, we are talking about winning clubs based in what is probably the only Italian city with international momentum and that’s it!

When I collect my accreditation there is still an hour until kick-off, so I have plenty of time to get to my seat and start testing the environment of the venue. Meazza. The South is already presenting all its banners, while minute after minute the stands are filling up. I have already said and written it several times, but repeat juvant: except for the Third Ring, the Milanese facility is undoubtedly among the most beautiful European stadiums, rich in history and charm. The mere thought that someone would want to tear it down makes me infinitely sad. Certain places should be treated as monuments and, therefore, at most restored and returned to the community for better enjoyment. Wishing for the demolition of this stadium reminds me of that man who, after having spent years with the woman who helped and supported him in difficulties, when he senses that he can “catch” a younger and more beautiful girl, even if devoid of content, think twice. In a word: despicable. As the opening of hostilities approaches, the two sets of fans begin to warm up their engines, exchanging insults and trying to encourage the teams intent on the warm-up phase. Sportingly speaking, this is a crossroads for both clubs and access to the semi-finals would also allow them to hope for the only trophy they are still in contention for. I add that Milan – also for the numerous victories and participations in Champions – does not have an excellent relationship with this competition and the maximum result achieved is two semi-finals, lost respectively against Tottenham (1972) and Borussia Dortmund (2002).

From a singing point of view, the comparison is clearly more beautiful and compelling than that of a few months earlier in the championship. The Roma players got off to a good start right away, and throughout the match they stood out with the waving of their flags representing almost all the groups from the South, excellent moves which involved above all the left side of the sector (on the right, in fact, they would only place themselves Quadraro Group and the boys from the North) and the usual, powerful choir to respond in the second half. Obviously Mancini’s celebration of goal was heartfelt and powerful, ending the first leg at 0-1. In this sense, in the center of the sector stands the flag with the rat on the white and blue pitch, the protagonist of the numerous post-derby controversies, after the Roma defender himself – scorer of the winning goal – had raised it to the sky in rejoicing.

On the AC Milan side, the South put on a good showing, which sees the absolute protagonists of the clapping throughout the sector which gives a truly granitic image. Then flags waved at the beginning and end of the periods and many red torches lit which really give a captivating visual effect in the night races. Choir-throwing chapter: the high volume of Milan’s piped music did the talking. A controversy launched by RAI and its viewers. My answer: from a “stylististic” point of view it would have been better to lower the volume, so as not to sometimes drown out the Rossoneri’s songs. If, however, I watch it as a person who would instantly turn off football on TV and certainly doesn’t like RAI “Mamma”, I can only laugh loudly and enjoy it all, imagining the officials of State TV railing against Milan’s curve , scared by the drop in share and afraid of losing the rights, having to replace a succulent match of Europa League with the Island of the Famous or some concert of the “leopard” Elettra Lamborghini.

As said on the pitch, Roma prevailed by a measure. A result that leaves the return match wide open and which will make the atmosphere of theOlympic incandescent. I stay a few minutes after the final whistle to listen to the latest verbal disputes between sectors, then starting to move towards the exits, where a swarm of people heads to the metro, forcing me to take the “usual” walk to Piazzale Lotto, in order to avoid the restricted entrances on the Lilac Line and the related wait. The outward journey, the backpack that weighs like a boulder and the match suddenly materialize in notable tiredness. It is a symptom that the tension and adrenaline from the match have vanished and only a bed can help me recharge my batteries to face the following days, which will still see me present on the pitch and in the stands. But this is a story I will have the opportunity to tell. I greet Milan, all in all satisfied with what I saw in the stands and, even though it was a “fake” European challenge, San Siro he still managed to make it a little fascinating!

Text by Simone Meloni
Photo Alberto Cornalba