Name: Stadio Renato Dall’ara – Formally Stadio Littoriale (1927–1945), Stadio Comunale (1945–1983)
Location: Via Andrea Costa, Bologna
Opened: 1927
Capacity: 38,279
A multi purpose stadium in Bologna, the Renato dall’Ara is the home to Bologna FC, and is also used for athletics tournaments and Rugby matches.
It has played host in two World Cups, witnessing fixtures in 1934 and 1990, playing host to 4 matches in the latter, including England’s famous victory over Belgium in the Round of 16.
The dall’Ara also played host to to a qualifying match between England and San Marino in 1993, and an international Rugby Union match between Italy and New Zealand.
Interestingly, the Bologna stadium also played host to the World Cup tournaments quickest goal, the aforementioned qualifier in 1993 saw a goal scored after 8.3 seconds by San Marino. The game ended 7-1 to England.
The Gentleman Ultra says…
The Stadio Renato dall’Ara is a multi-purpose stadium that will be mostly remembered by English viewers of Italian football due to an incident in the Italia 90 World Cup.
England faced Belgium in the second round, and were only minutes away from going into a penalty shoot-out before Paul Gascoigne floated in a free kick for David Platt to volley home in spectacular fashion.
The ground itself has been renamed three times and used to be called both the Stadio Littoriale and the Stadio Comunale before settling on its current name. As well as a huge tower on one side it has a roof over the other – all features added when modified for the 1990 World Cup.
The atmosphere in the Stadio Renato dall’Ara is always hostile, even though it is generally only half full.
The Ultras on the The Curva Bulgarelli are passionate and very vocal. Flares, firecrackers and flags are often brought out by members of the Turist Group 1996, SGP 1999 and the more notorious Vecchia Guardia (Old Guard). These groups are some of the nosiest away fans and make even more of an effort when at home.
