GEOGRAPHY OF FOOTBALL FAN CLUBS IN ITALY

Our main goal was mapping the football fan clubs in Italy. This purpose has been easily satisfied surveying data on many dedicated websites. The reliability of this information has been proved as correct during the interviews we made. The other goal we wanted to reach was a deeper knowledge about the actual motive of friendship and rivalries between fan clubs. During the interviews we perceived some ‘fanatical’ behavior, especially when talking with fans with a deep culture of countering rival clubs. The interviewees participated freely and cordially in the interviews and we didn’t perceive preclusions or misleading behaviors. The survey considered only the situation in Italy and any comparison with other countries will need specific surveys. Actually, the Italian fandom has a dual soul. The first is linked to the traditional audience in the physical space of stadiums. The second one is more modern and regards the contemporary large use of the web and social media tools, capable of virally diffusing claims, slogans and emotions. The diffusion of hot-fans and violent ultras is becoming overwhelming. Even though football is a still in-stadium show, the less warm fans are going to prefer TV airings. Our experience did confirm that any football match is a religious celebration and a social feast pertaining to popular culture for the many.