AS Roma vs SS Lazio: The Rivalry is Eternal, the City is Eternal

Football in Italy is regarded as a way of life, and the football scene is characterized not only by the struggles on the green fields but also by the passions of the fans. One of the places where this passion is felt most intensely is the capital, Rome. The two major football clubs of Rome, AS Roma and SS Lazio, are not only representatives of an endless rivalry on the field but also in the stands. With their supporter groups, social structures, political stances, and histories, these two clubs hold a unique place in the football world.

The passion of Roma and Lazio supporters shows significant similarities to the football atmosphere in Turkey. Just like in Turkey, in Italy, football is more than just a sport; it’s a matter of culture, identity, and belonging. The way Roma and Lazio fans express their love for football through creative banners, chants, and street demonstrations recalls the stadium culture seen in Turkey. Roma’s “Fedayn” or Lazio’s “Irriducibili” groups carry unique identities and characters, similar to Fenerbahçe’s “KFY,” Beşiktaş’s “Çarşı,” and Galatasaray’s “UltrAslan” groups.

 

History of the Clubs: The Birth of AS Roma and SS Lazio

Although Roma and Lazio are among the oldest clubs in Italian football, they are generally not seen as strong as the big northern clubs (Juventus, Milan, Inter). However, the Roma-Lazio rivalry is considered one of the most passionate derbies in Italy. The passion and creativity of their supporter groups attract attention not only in Italy but also worldwide.

AS Roma was founded in 1927 through the initiative of Italo Foschi. Foschi aimed to create a strong football club in the capital and combined several small clubs operating in Rome. The only club that did not join this merger was Lazio. The colors of AS Roma were determined based on the Roman Empire, choosing red and yellow. The club is also known as “Giallorossi” (the Yellow-Reds). Over the years, Roma’s supporter group has been recognized for their loyalty to the club, with the “Curva Sud,” the southern stand of the Olympic Stadium, being their stronghold.

On the other hand, SS Lazio was established much earlier, in 1900. The club took its name from the Lazio region, of which Rome is the capital, and chose its colors of sky blue and white, inspired by Ancient Greece. The SS Lazio team is known as “Biancocelesti” (the White-Blues), and the “Curva Nord,” the northern stand of the Olympic Stadium, is their home. Unlike Roma, Lazio has more aristocratic and elitist origins.

Recent surveys indicate that there are approximately 1.8 million AS Roma fans and 600 thousand SS Lazio fans in Rome.

 

Differences Between the Social Structures and Political Stances of Supporter Groups

AS Roma’s supporter groups typically come from working-class neighborhoods close to the city center. Among Roma supporters are sub-groups like “Fedayn,” “Boys,” and “Ultras Romanisti.” The Roma stands generally lean towards a more leftist political stance, which is clearly reflected in their chants and banners. For Roma supporters, the club is not just a football team; it is also an element of identity and belonging.

Historically, SS Lazio supporter groups are known for leaning more towards the right. Notably, famous fanatic groups like “Irriducibili” have drawn attention with right-wing symbols and rhetoric; the eagle, a symbol of the team, has also been co-opted by fascist ideology, reinforcing this situation. However, this does not mean that all Lazio supporters hold these views. While Lazio stands have often been associated with the city’s wealthier segments, this distinction has started to blur over time.

 

Important Events and Conflicts

The rivalry between Roma and Lazio supporters has seen many unforgettable incidents throughout history. The “Derby della Capitale” (Capital Derby) is a struggle that transcends the field, spilling into the stands and streets. Indeed, on March 21, 2004, during a Roma-Lazio derby, an incident between fans caused the match to be abandoned. This event is remembered as a turning point concerning fan violence in Roman football. Conflicts among supporter groups have sometimes escalated to extremes, particularly with issues like anti-Semitism among Lazio supporter groups being reported in the international press.

 

Beyond Football: Social and Cultural Impacts

The Roma and Lazio clubs also represent two different faces of the city. While Roma carries the passions and identity of the working-class, Lazio maintains an older and aristocratic tradition. The identity conflict among supporters sometimes goes beyond a football match, affecting the social dynamics of the city. This situation highlights that both in Italy and Turkey, football is not just a sport but also an extension of social and political identities.

 

Curva Nord and Curva Sud: A Division that Extends from the Stands to Neighborhoods

The presence of different social layers and lifestyles in Rome is reflected in the formation and identities of the supporter groups of the city’s teams. The division of the Roma and Lazio supporter groups is not limited to competition on the football field but resonates in the social and cultural structures of Rome’s northern (Roma Nord) and southern (Roma Sud) regions. In this context, understanding the rivalry between “Curva Sud” and “Curva Nord” during the Roma-Lazio derbies is of utmost importance.

 

Curva Nord and Roma Nord: Supporters from Aristocratic Neighborhoods

Curva Nord is the fortress of Lazio supporters and has historically been associated with the northern regions of Rome. Roma Nord (North Rome) is known particularly for neighborhoods like Parioli, Flaminio, and Monte Mario. These areas stand out for their orderly and planned structures, housing more aristocratic and affluent segments of society.

Parioli, one of the most luxurious and prestigious districts of Rome, stands out as the preferred address for the business and finance world, as well as political elites, providing clues about the social class of Lazio supporters. Flaminio is recognized culturally as a richer area, notable for modern art galleries and concert venues. Consequently, Lazio supporters tend to represent a more “elite” lifestyle with traditional values, as do the residents of Roma Nord.

 

Curva Sud and Roma Sud: The Power of the Working Class

Curva Sud is the heart of AS Roma and reflects the social structure of Rome center and Rome Sud (South Rome). Rome Sud is known especially for historically working-class neighborhoods like Esquilino, San Lorenzo, Pigneto, Garbatella, Testaccio, and Tor Marancia. Testaccio is where AS Roma was founded and has historically rooted itself. This area has become a symbol reflecting the everyday life and struggles of the Roman people.

Garbatella, located in the south of the capital, represents the spirit of Rome with its working-class residents and unique architecture. Those living in the southern neighborhoods lead a more communal and simple life, emphasizing social solidarity and a sense of belonging. The emergence of AS Roma supporters from these neighborhoods has led to the club being viewed as more popular and as the people’s team in the city.

While Lazio’s Curva Nord supporters often stand out for their nationalist and conservative rhetoric, the chants of Roma supporters in Curva Sud carry a sense of pride and struggle associated with the working class. For the residents of Roma Nord, Lazio is perceived as an elitist club that preserves traditional values; for the working class of Roma Sud, Roma represents a symbol of the injustices and dreams they face.

 

A City Experience Intertwined with Football

The story of Roma and Lazio is not only about football; it is a shared narrative of the city’s history, culture, and people. Understanding the songs, banners, and the competition that spills into the streets helps to enhance awareness about its social repercussions, making it one of the most striking ways to truly know Rome. When exploring Rome with Unplugged Routes, you will witness not only the history of the city but also this unique atmosphere created by football, bringing you to the heart of the city!