It was our first game back in the stadium since the Como defeat back in January — and, honestly, it felt like a long time coming.
There’s something about returning to Ponte Milvio, something about walking back towards the Olimpico, that reminds you exactly why you put yourself through it all. And being back in the Curva Nord again? That feeling doesn’t fade.
I went into the game with low expectations. This was more about showing up — for the team, for the Curva, and for Maurizio Sarri — than expecting anything on the pitch.
But football has a habit of surprising you.
It was great to catch up with the usual faces — Silvia, Lucio, Luca and briefly Lids — even if I missed Eva and Giulia, and Stefano was away. One of those nights where the group isn’t quite complete, but still feels right.
And then, somehow, it turned into something special.
Lazio shocked high-flying Milan 1-0, with Isaksen the unlikely hero — a goal that sent the Curva into one of those eruptions you don’t forget in a hurry.
Trip Down and Accommodation
After two months away — and with a late kick-off — staying over felt like the only sensible option.
I managed to get a solid deal at Hotel Marco Polo, and the train came in at around €75 return, which, all things considered, wasn’t too bad.
There was a brief moment where FlixBus re-entered the conversation… but both Liosa and I shut that down quickly. Some lessons don’t need relearning.
Arriving in Rome a bit early, I couldn’t get into the room straight away, so I did what Rome invites you to do — wandered.
No plan, no destination. Just walking, letting the city take over, before eventually looping back to the hotel for a quick reset before heading out again.
A False Start in Flaminio
On the way to Ponte Milvio, I stopped near Flaminio for a quick bite at Bona Pizza Romana.
And, unfortunately, it was one of those experiences you regret almost immediately.
Despite ordering in Italian, the server switched straight to English — one of those small things that just takes you out of the moment. But worse was the food itself.
The supplì, even after being reheated, was still cold inside. The potato pizza somehow managed to have undercooked potatoes. Only the margherita saved it from being a complete disaster.
Safe to say — not one I’d recommend.
Slightly deflated, I jumped on the tram and headed to Ponte Milvio, hoping to reset the evening.
Why Return — And Why Now?
The decision to return to the stadium wasn’t without reaction.
Milan fans were quick to point it out — questioning why the Curva Nord had chosen this game to come back after weeks of absence.
The ultras from both the Curva Nord and Curva Tevere had announced a return for this match, as well as the upcoming away game against Roma.
There were theories.
Some suggested it was linked to Lazio’s relationship with Inter — a chance to influence the title race. Others saw it as a strategic move.
Speaking to Silvia before the game, her take felt closer to the truth.
Milan, a global club, on a Sunday night slot — this was a game the world would be watching. If you’re going to make a statement, make it when people are actually looking.
And maybe that’s exactly what this was.
Not just a return — but a message.
Choreography: The Sword and Shield of Lazio
The Curva Nord didn’t just return — it made a statement.
As the choreography rose, the entire end became a mosaic of white, sky blue and gold, spreading across the stand in perfect symmetry. At the centre stood a towering figure — a Roman warrior, sword in hand and shield raised, draped in Lazio colours.
It was impossible to miss the symbolism.
The sword, held firmly, represented the fight — the defiance of the Curva, the refusal to be silenced, and the ongoing battle between the fans and those who seek to control the identity of the club.
The shield, bearing the Lazio crest, felt just as important. Protection. Loyalty. A defence of history, culture and what it means to be Laziale. Not just a club badge, but something to be guarded.
Around it, the gold and blue sections radiated outwards, almost like energy flowing from the figure itself — the Curva united again, even after weeks of absence, showing that when it chooses to appear, it does so with power.
This wasn’t just choreography for the sake of spectacle.
It was a message:
Lazio and the Laziali — ready to fight, ready to defend.
I managed to keep hold of my piece of the golden choreography, carefully folded away. Not just as a memory from the night, but as something more personal.
It will come with me the next time I visit Gabriele Sandri’s memorial.
Because moments like this — visuals like this — aren’t just about the game in front of you. They connect everything: the past, the present, and what it means to stand in that Curva.
Lazio Friends: Borghetti, Bad Decisions and Better Company
In true Inbetweeners fashion, the night started exactly how you’d expect — slightly disorganised, mildly questionable decisions… and a bargain.
On my way to Ponte Milvio, I picked up three Caffè Borghetti bottles for a fiver. Which, in my head, felt like an outstanding bit of business. Whether it actually was… debatable.
I met Silvia outside Bar Pallota. Normally that’s a guaranteed beer stop, but for once I wasn’t feeling it. Instead, we just stood there chatting — her, the other Silvia — catching up properly for the first time in weeks.
Lucio came over as well, quick hello, big smile — and that was it really. Nothing dramatic, just that simple feeling of being back around your Lazio people again.
And honestly, that’s what had been missing.
Walking up towards the stadium, Silvia and I talked about everything — life, Lazio, how strange it had felt not being there, not just for the matches but for all of this. The routine. The people. The social side that you don’t really think about until it’s gone.
Just before going in, we shared the Borghetti outside. Standard.
We agreed — half-time pint, same as always.
Inside, it was like slipping back into place. I saw Elga in her usual spot and went over to say hi, then stood there for a moment just looking out at the pitch, taking it in.
Then — tap on the shoulder.
Luca.
Of course.
We stood there chatting about the boycott, about how strange and, at times, frustrating this season has been. Before long, we were being told to move higher up to help with the choreography — no arguments, just part of the night.
And it hit me a bit then.
If there isn’t a boycott next season, I don’t think I’ll manage all 38 again. But after nights like this, I know I’ll try to do as many as I can.
Because I’ve missed it. More than I realised.
The Match: Lazio Surprise Milan
On the pitch, Lazio delivered something that few expected.
Against a high-flying Milan side, there was a balance to Lazio’s performance — disciplined, patient, but with moments of real energy going forward.
Isaksen was the standout.
Lively from the start, direct, always looking to make something happen — and when the chance came, he took it well. His goal proved decisive, but more than that, it capped a performance full of intent and confidence.
There were encouraging signs elsewhere too.
Young Motta impressed, showing maturity beyond his years. Comfortable on the ball, composed in his decision-making — the kind of performance that suggests there’s more to come.
Maldini, meanwhile, showed flashes of real quality. You can see it — the movement, the awareness, the technique. But he’ll know himself he should have made it 2-0. A big chance, one that at this level you expect to take, especially in a game that tight.
In the end though, it didn’t matter.
Lazio held firm, saw it out, and secured a win that felt bigger than just three points.
Post-Match: Missed Connections
After the final whistle, I headed back towards Ponte Milvio, stopping at L’Altro Chiosco — the usual plan.
But, for once, nothing.
No one there.
One of those slightly flat moments after a big night.
So I made my way back towards the tram instead.
On the way, I bumped into Janina and Luca, who were trying to get back to Tiburtina for their FlixBus home — which, again, felt like a bold life choice at that time of night.
I left them at Flaminio, jumping onto a packed night bus back to Termini.
Cramped, chaotic, slightly uncomfortable.
Which, in a way, summed the whole trip up perfectly.
Matchday Experience
Stadium: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Fixture: Lazio vs Milan
Result: Lazio 1-0 Milan
Attendance: Approx. 50,000+
Ticket Price: Season ticket (Curva Nord)
Travel: Train (Florence–Rome return approx. €75)
Accommodation: Hotel Marco Polo
Pre-Match Food: Bona Pizza Romana (not recommended)
Pre-Match Drink: Caffè Borghetti (3 for €5 near Flaminio)
Half-Time Drink: Beer with Silvia
Post-Match: L’Altro Chiosco (missed connections), tram + night bus to Termini
Beer-o-Meter: 3/5
(A rare low score — no Ponte Milvio beers, but saved slightly by a pre-match with Luca and the traditional half-time pint with Silvia)
Atmosphere: 5/5
Choreography: 5/5
Waiting Time to Leave Stadium: Minimal
Conclusion: More Than Just a Result
It was wonderful to be back.
After weeks away, walking back into the stadium — back into the Curva Nord — felt different this time. Not routine, not automatic. Emotional.
You realise what you’ve missed.
The result was great. Beating Milan, seeing Isaksen deliver, watching the team respond — all of that mattered. But, in truth, the night belonged to the fans.
From the first whistle to the last, the Curva didn’t stop. The singing, the energy, the presence — it was relentless. And you could feel it on the pitch. The players responded to it.
That connection was back.
Of course, there will be questions.
People will say: what about the Atalanta semi-final? What if the stadium had been full that night? Could it have been different?
Maybe.
But the protests matter. The message matters. And whether you agree with the timing or not, it’s clear that the message is spreading — not just inside the stadium, but beyond it.
Now, it’s a case of whether it actually makes a difference.
We’ll have to wait and see.
Next up, a difficult trip to Bologna — a ground that hasn’t been kind to Lazio in recent years, despite the cup shock earlier this season.
Another challenge.
And, after a night like this, one you just want to be there for.
