The rise of the far right among Italian football fans in the 21st century

Abstract

The presence of extreme right-wing ideas among football fans in Italy is a worrying phenomenon that has developed significantly in recent decades. Ultras groups from clubs such as Lazio, Hellas Verona and Inter Milan, often display fascist and racist symbols in stadiums; they glorify the figure of Benito Mussolini and their racist and xenophobic chants reflect an ultra-nationalist and exclusionary stance. These fans have integrated far-right ideology into their collective identities, using football as a platform to express and disseminate their political beliefs. These manifestations contribute to the polarization and promotion of hatred and intolerance in Italian society. Moreover, they contribute to the normalization and legitimization of these ideas in the sporting and social sphere. The connivance, and sometimes complicity, of clubs and authorities aggravates the situation. The infiltration of the extreme right in Italian football represents a serious challenge to the social cohesion and democratic values of the country.