https://www.facebook.com/UltrasAvantiTV ULTRAS GENOA - BEST MOMENTS Key Ultra Groups: Fossa dei Grifoni (Griffins Den), Via Armenia 5r (5r Armenia Street), Ottavio Barbiera, Vecchi Orsi (Old Bears). Other Ultra/Fan Groups: Brigata Speloncia (Speloncia Brigade), Figgi do Zena (Dialect for Figli di Genova – Sons of Genoa), Ragazzi Certosa (Certosa boys), Ragazze Certosa (Certosa Girls), South Group, Old Block, Sette Setembre (7th of September), Vecchia Sestri (Old Sestri), Superbi Zena (Pride of Genova) In the 1990s, during the Derby della Lanterna - Derby of the Lighthouse, the red and blue half of the Stadio Luigi Ferraris unveiled a striscione reading “WE ARE GENOA”. It was a banner of mammoth proportions engulfing all the supporters in Genoa’s Gradinata Nord – a flight of steps resembling the end of an English stadium rather than an orthodox Italian Curva. That the Luigi Ferraris (or Marassi) appears anglicised and the banner itself was in English is entirely appropriate. It was a declaration of pride in the club’s long history, history which started in 1893 when British Consular officials set up the Genoa Cricket and Football Club. It also served as a mocking reminder to their opponents and city rivals Sampdoria, born 53 years later in 1946. Genoa was the club with the prestigious footballing past, both as the oldest team in Italy and as the beating heart of the city itself. Wedged between the Ligurian Sea and the Apennine Mountains the city of Genoa is a sight to behold. Steeped in history and cultural splendour, the Genovese take fierce pride in their city, hence its nickname ‘La Superba’ – ‘The Superb’ or ‘The Proud City’. They are also known to be tough, resourceful and reserved. However when the weekend arrives and the Grifoni (Griffins) grace the Luigi Ferraris, this reticent nature is lost in a tumultuous atmosphere which can produce some of the most spectacular Tifo (fandom) Italy has to offer. “If you speak about trophies in Italy, the teams that have become legend are Juventus, Inter and Milan but if you speak instead about fandom, it is the Gradinata Nord of the Marassi that is legend.” – Marco Liguori (www.pianetagenoa1893.net) The history of Genoa’s support is inextricably linked with the formation of their first Ultra group Fossa dei Grifoni (Griffins Den - FdG) in 1973. Fossa was part of the supporters group Ottavio Barbieri, (A former Genoa player, 6th in all time appearances for the club). Both groups were born out of a dark era in the clubs history which saw the team languishing in Serie C. FdG embodied the soul and ancestry of Genoa, combining British characteristics of sustained organised chanting with the breathtaking choreographies of Italian tifo. Having established a real sense of unity, the Ultras heyday came in the late 1980’s to early 90’s when Coach Osvaldo Bagnoli led the Rossoblu to a fourth place finish in Serie A and European qualification. Genoa’s trip to face Liverpool in the quarter final of the 1992 UEFA Cup is fondly remembered for the vociferous and powerful support which matched the Anfield faithful, to the extent that the Genoani (Genoa supporters) were applauded by the Liverpool fans at the final whistle. In 1993 protests against the then president Aldo Spinelli as well as strained relationships with the local press and police saw the FdGdisband. Former members dispersed and joined groups such as Ottavio Barbieri while others created splinter groups like Vecchi Orsi (Old Bears). Now Via Armenia 5r (5r Armenia Street), who are accompanied by the banner “You’ll never walk alone” are the vanguard of the Gradinata Nord among a legion of other groups. I Figgi do Zena (Dialect for Sons of Genoa) also produce some impressive choreography having taken their place in a section of the ground which traditionally has a more serene atmosphere. Unfortunately this zealous fanaticism can lead to ignominious acts of violence. On January the 29th, 1995, a match between Genoa and AC Milan was marred by tragedy after Genoa supporter Vincenzo Claudio Spagnolo was fatally stabbed. The culprit, Simone Brasaglia was a member of AC Milan’s notoriously violent fringe Ultra group known as Barbour Gang (a reference to the British styled coats they wore). When news spread of the stabbing the game was cancelled at half time and riots broke out around the Marassi with Genoani seeking vengeance... http://thegentlemanultra.tumblr.com/

• published: 23 Sep 2015
• views: 6786