The protest in Moldova that infuriated the coach is the latest in a series of incidents.
Chants in memory of Gabriele Sandri, the ultras killed in 2007 at a motorway service station by a gunshot fired by a police officer, those in support of the fans banned from Euro 2024 and Sebastiani Rieti, who in October killed the driver of the Pistoia Basket fans’ coach with a stone, but also repeated insults against the FIGC. Encouragement for the team for one half (the first), then threatening chants such as “Go to work” or “We’re coming to Coverciano” which infuriated coach Rino Gattuso. The Ultras Italia in Moldova stole the show and did not make us look good. As a country. They have been following the Azzurri’s matches for years and have a website where they list their “exploits,” such as turning their backs when the Israeli national anthem is played. The last time this happened was in Debrecen two months ago.
Last night at the Zimbru in Chisinau, there were over 500 Italians in attendance. Many tricolor flags with the city of origin of each group written on them. No ultras scarves linked to individual Serie A or minor league teams. When the national team plays, love for one’s own team takes a back seat. In Moldova, many ultras were dressed in black: this is nothing new, nor is it a coincidence. The political matrix is far-right. There is no point beating around the bush. Even if those directly involved say that politics had nothing to do with them and the national team. Ultras Italia was founded in 2000 and over the years has distinguished itself (not in a positive way) for the black march in Sofia in 2008, with Roman salutes, chants for the Duce, and clashes with the police, but also for taking a stand in subsequent years against foreign-born players and black players wearing the blue jersey (including Balotelli). Unfortunately, fascist salutes followed in 2016, with three fans from Bari under investigation. At the last European Championships, many were stopped and banned by the police for an impromptu march in Dortmund, complete with the Italian national anthem and fascist salutes.
Origins— Ultras Italia come from all over the country, particularly from the south (Apulia being the leading region) and the center (Lazio in pole position). Among the cities often represented with flags are Andria, Galatina, Verona, Casarano, Nardò, Pagani, Massa, Latina, Barletta, Reggio Calabria, Molfetta, and Catanzaro. Abroad, the phenomenon of fans of the national team is more widespread, while in Italy it has not taken hold, at least numerically. Certainly, since last night, the spotlight has once again turned to Ultras Italia, who are particularly active in away games because it is easier to buy tickets on these occasions. As soon as Italy’s match schedule is announced, many of them organize themselves to book low-cost flights (when it is not possible to travel by car or bus) and cheap hotels. They communicate via social media or keep in touch, from north to south, via WhatsApp and Telegram. Then they go to the stadium to sing. And as a nation, we often don’t make a good impression.
