The term hooligan is loosely applied in modern culture when talking about fans of soccer. Just because you are a diehard fan doesn’t make you a hooligan and it certainly doesn’t make you an Ultra.
The UltraS are an enigmatic group of hardcore supporters that place club before all else, but also have the same passion for political and social change. No one has ever gone into the world of the UltraS in order to write a book and I think it is safe to say no one will ever do so again. Alberto Testa and Gary Armstrong gained the trust of the leadership from the Boys Roma and the Lazio Irriducibili, creating a text that has no equal. The authors had unprecedented access to the inner workings of each organization.
Italy is a true footballing nation; 80% of monies spent on sports goes to football. No other country can even come close. “Football is the foundation of the state” certainly is reality in Italy. The so called English “hooligans” are pale in comparison to the mildest of the Italian UltraS. They call the curve, or terraces, their home away from home. They are mysterious, controversial, and actively defy the stereotypes given by the media and those on the outside.
Purchase this amazing book here; you won’t be disappointed. It is intriguing, thought-provoking, and academic all at the same time. Think of it as the Donnie Brasco of Italian football.
