Hellas Verona

Tucked into the heart of fair Verona where Shakespeare set his tale of star-crossed lovers, the true tale of love and passion is played out not on a balcony, but on a football pitch. It’s a story that revolves around the football club affectionately known as ‘Gli Scaligeri’ – Hellas Verona.

Serie A: Verona’s Turbulent Romance

Serie A, the top-tier Italian football league, and Hellas Verona share a tale of love and heartbreak. The club’s maiden voyage in the league dates back to the 1957/58 season. It was the 1984/85 season, however, that saw the club engrave its name in the annals of history by claiming the coveted Serie A title. Since then, it has been a rocky affair, with multiple promotions and relegations. Nonetheless, their indomitable spirit sees them returning to Serie A time and time again, embodying the phrase ‘the course of true love never did run smooth’.

Gli Scaligeri’s Global Ambassadors

The quaint town of Verona has been a launching pad for several football stars. The notorious striker, Luca Toni, for instance, has plied his trade for several elite clubs like Bayern Munich and Roma after leaving Verona. Or how about Emil Hallfreðsson? The Icelandic international who honed his skills at Hellas Verona before dazzling in the English Premier League with Fulham. They stand as examples of the club’s ability to nurture talent, etching a story that stretches beyond Italian borders.

The Battle for Verona: Fierce Rivalries

Like every good story, Hellas Verona’s tale also has its villains. The most notorious is perhaps their city rival, Chievo Verona. The ‘Derby della Scala’ is a heated contest that leaves the city divided in loyalties. Outside the city limits, Verona’s matches against Brescia and Vicenza are also noteworthy, adding fuel to the fiery competition that is Serie A.

Internationally, rivalries aren’t as pronounced, but Verona has locked horns with clubs in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, including teams like Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen. These encounters add a layer of international flavor to Verona’s rich tapestry.

Welcome to Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium

A visit to Hellas Verona wouldn’t be complete without a pilgrimage to the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, their home ground. Located in the northern part of the city, the stadium has been the stage for numerous memorable moments in the club’s history.

For the budget-conscious supporter, ‘Curva Sud’ offers a fantastic view of the pitch at affordable prices. A ticket here will set you back around €25. For those looking for a more premium experience, the ‘Tribuna Est’ provides the best views, along with a more comfortable seating arrangement. Tickets here range from €90 to €110, but the experience is well worth the price.

The Final Whistle

So there you have it, a snapshot of the rollercoaster journey that is being a Hellas Verona supporter. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a traveling spectator, or just interested in learning about the team, Hellas Verona offers a rich, colorful, and passionate footballing experience that’s hard to beat. Just remember, when the Gialloblù (Yellow and Blues) take the pitch, it’s not just a game, it’s a love story written in goals and tackles, playing out beneath the Italian sky.

The Game Never Stops

• Unique Celebration: Hellas Verona has a unique goal celebration, where the team gathers under their passionate fan section, ‘Curva Sud’. This is a tribute to the unwavering support of their most passionate fans.
• Women’s Team: Hellas Verona also has a women’s team that competes in Serie A Women, the top-tier of women’s football in Italy. They are significant contributors to the development of women’s football in the region.
• Youth Academy: Hellas Verona’s youth academy has been responsible for producing talented players who have gone on to make a significant impact in Italian football and beyond.
• Historic Title Win: Hellas Verona’s Serie A title win in the 1984/85 season is one of the most astonishing stories in Italian football. Managed by Osvaldo Bagnoli, the team was considered an underdog and yet managed to outperform the traditional powerhouses to lift the title.
• Mascot: The team’s mascot is a Greek warrior named ‘Mastino della Scala’. This is a tribute to the Scaligeri, the ruling family of Verona during the middle ages, from whom the team’s nickname ‘Gli Scaligeri’ is derived.
• European Adventures: Hellas Verona has had few forays into European football, most notably in the UEFA Cup in the 80s. These adventures add a layer of prestige and history to the club’s profile.
• Famous Players: Some prominent players, apart from Luca Toni and Emil Hallfreðsson, who’ve worn the Verona jersey include Preben Elkjaer Larsen, a Danish forward who was pivotal in their Serie A win, and Franco Zola, who later achieved fame with Chelsea in the English Premier League.
• Club Anthems: The club has two anthems – “Gialloblù” and “Sí Amor,” which are passionately sung by fans during matches, amplifying the atmospheric Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium.