Much is made of the Italian football experience. There is often violence when English teams visit; at its best, the atmosphere is incredibly hostile with flares a common feature; and racism has marred recent history.
Thus when I went on holiday to Rome for a long weekend with my girlfriend, I was intrigued to visit the Stadio Olimpico. I was delighted to find out that Roma were at home and they were playing Juventus. A big game between two of the title challengers.
It makes a bit of a change from watching Gillingham to seeing the likes of Paul Pogba, Patrice Evra, Edin Dzeko and Mario Mandzukic caress the ball around.
Getting to the ground was an experience in itself. Jumping on a bus near the Vatican – paying was apparently an optional extra amongst the locals – I soon found myself squished between a nun on my right (looking appalled at the throng of fans that soon mobbed the bus and everyone in it) and masses of Roma supporters everywhere else.
Travelling to the game in 35 degree heat was another rarity missing from the English game although I have been in a sold out Wimbledon terrace in the Easter sun so I cannot say that sweating at a football match is an alien experience.
Upon arrival we crowded through a gate where the female steward gave up checking tickets as the masses began to push and shove through a tiny gate. It was at this point that our water bottles were confiscated. Another security gate was successfully passed.
At the final ticket gate we discovered that ID was needed, I had mine but my girlfriend’s EHIC fortunately sufficed with a great deal of persuasion to a somewhat reluctant Roman ticket officer.
Total devastation nearly occurred here as our selfie stick (strictly for sightseeing after a day of tourist attractions – I had forbidden its use anywhere near a football stadium) was also stripped from our possession. Luckily we managed to get it back at the end of the day.
Having finally got inside the stadium I was taken aback with the noise and vibrance the Roma fans created. Their ‘team’ song, as I assume it was, created a marvellous vista of scarves, shirts and anything else they could lay their hands on, held aloft. The somewhat melodious tune was bellowed out with gusto in a bubble of noise I have never experienced in English football. Here it is perhaps suitable to note that I have ventured out of League One and into the Premiership frequently at Goodison Park, White Hart Lane and Stamford Bridge.
The biggest disappointment perhaps were the Juventus fans who were largely silent throughout the first half and although they warmed up in the second period they did not quite bring the ying to Roma’s yang.
The game itself was, I must admit, thrilling. We talk a lot about the unrivalled excitement of the Premier League, but it was committed, skilful and, best of all, exciting.
A goalless first half despite heavy pressure was bettered by the second in which Miralem Pjanic put Roma one nil up with a great 25 yard freekick, before Dzeko headed in a second. Paulo Dybala pulled back a consolation but Juventus, reduced to ten after Evra received two yellows, did not deserve a point despite a rousing final fifteen minutes.
They were denied a penalty somehow when a dubious handball was awarded their way. Although it looked soft the referee and linesman somehow managed to overlook the fact that the offense had taken place about five metres into the Roma area. The decision enraged both teams and Rubinho was dismissed from the Juventus bench.
Besides the football, the atmosphere was electric and I didn’t even notice that the Roma ultras in the Curva Sud section of the stadium were holding a silent protest such was the noise generated from the northern stands where we were situated.
A downside were the occasional monkey chants that we heard interspersed throughout the game. They were at their most noticeable when Pogba had the ball. It was the first time that I had ever come across racism in the game and it severely tarnished an otherwise superb experience. It sounded like it came from a single individual but nonetheless it was the sort of barbarism that should remain in the bygone age Rome so vividly depicts.
Pogba really looked the part for Juventus. Absolutely everything good came through him and it was easy to see why he is such a coveted player at the minute. His power, pace and skill makes Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision seem very foolhardy. Dzeko is also worth a mention. He worked incredibly hard up front for Roma winning everything in the air against Giorgio Chiellini. I am not sure that Wilfried Bony really represents an upgrade on Dzeko and it will be interesting to see what will happen if Sergio Aguero is to pick up an injury.
Having said all this, I really did miss the Rainham End, the Last Waltz and League One football. I can’t wait to be back in Gillingham.
