Calcio Amore

Team Profile: S.S. Lazio

by
Scott Balaam
26 July 2025

https://x.com/OfficialSSLazio

For S.S. Lazio supporters, the club is far more than just a football team — it is an identity, a tradition, and a way of life.

Founded in 1900, Lazio is deeply woven into the cultural and emotional fabric of thousands of Roman families, especially in the northern districts of the city.

To be Laziale is to embrace a distinct, often rebellious sense of belonging, forged in contrast to the city’s more popular and media-favoured club, AS Roma.

The fans are proud to remind their city rivals that they were the first team in Rome – with Roma being formed in 1927 after a merger of three Rome-based football clubs: Roman FC, SS Alba-Audace, and Fortitudo-Pro Roma SGS.

Lazio fans carry with them a fierce pride in their club’s history and independence.

The 1974 and 2000 Serie A titles are not merely sporting achievements but monumental victories against the odds, remembered as moments of collective glory.

The motto and anthem

The club’s motto, “Non mollare mai” (“Never give up”), reflects the mindset of a fan base that sees itself as loyal, resilient, and unyielding.

The Curva Nord, Lazio’s spiritual home inside the Stadio Olimpico, is a symbol of unity and devotion. It is where generations of fans gather to wave flags, sing anthems, and defend the club’s honour. The pre-match anthem, “Vola Lazio Vola”, stirs deep emotions and has become a symbol of the club’s soaring aspirations.

Lazio also represents a social and political identity for many fans — especially among ultras — who see the club as a bastion of Roman heritage and values. While this has sometimes led to controversy, it also reinforces a passionate, often tribal loyalty that sets Lazio supporters apart.

Lazio e Libertà is a fan group that can be found in the Distinti Sud-Est – it stands as a courageous, grassroots effort to reclaim support for SS Lazio from the grip of political extremism. Their commitment to promoting respectful, inclusive fandom and confronting hate within their own fan culture makes them both significant and sometimes controversial within the broader Lazio community.

Ultimately, Lazio is not just a football club to its fans; it is a sacred symbol of belonging, a generational bond between grandparents, parents, and children, and a lifelong commitment to defending their colours — bianco e celeste — in the face of all challenges.

The misconception that Benito Mussolini was a lazio fan

The idea that Benito Mussolini was a Lazio fan is a persistent myth – but it’s largely unfounded and more symbolic than factual.

Mussolini was a fascist who politicised football, but there is no reliable evidence that he was a Lazio fan.

There were no confirmed statements from Mussolini himself indicating he supported Lazio. In fact, fascist leaders favoured clubs with national reach or propaganda potential – not necessarily personal or emotional loyalty.

Full Name: Società Sportiva Lazio

Founded: January 9, 1900
Stadium: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Capacity: 70,634
Nicknames: Le Aquile (The Eagles), I Biancocelesti (The White and Sky Blues)
Head Coach: Maurizio Sarri (re-appointed 2025)

Achievements

Serie A Champions: 2 (1973–74, 1999–2000)
Coppa Italia: 7 (1958, 1998, 2000, 2004, 2009, 2013, 2019)
Supercoppa Italiana: 5 (1998, 2000, 2009, 2017, 2019)
UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup: 1 (1998–99)
UEFA Super Cup: 1 (1999)

Lazio is a club with a rich history and loyal support. The 1999–2000 Scudetto, under Sven-Göran Eriksson, remains their most iconic season, capped with domestic and European success.

Legends

Silvio Piola – Prolific striker and Serie A all-time top scorer
Pino Wilson – Pino’s success at Lazio is largely defined by his role as captain during their historic 1973-74 Serie A title win, the club’s first ever. He was a key figure in the team’s defence and leadership, playing over 300 games for the club over a decade.
Giorgio Chinaglia – Charismatic forward from the 1974 Scudetto team
Alessandro Nesta – World-class defender and Lazio-born captain
Giuseppe Favalli – Long-serving defender and symbol of loyalty
Pavel Nedvěd – Iconic Czech midfielder and Ballon d’Or winner
Giuseppe “Beppe” Signori – He won the Serie A top scorer award three times while playing for Lazio (1993, 1994 and 1996). He scored a total of 107 goals in 152 games for the club,
Tommaso Rocchi – One of the club’s all-time top scorers
Ciro Immobile – Ex-captain and leading goalscorer in club history
Paul Gascoigne – joined in 1992 and played for the club until 1995. His time in Rome was marked by moments of brilliance, injury setbacks, and a lasting legacy as a cult hero among Lazio fans.
Paolo di Canio – his relationship with SS Lazio is deeply intertwined with his identity as a player and his strong connection to the club’s fans, particularly the “Irriducibili” ultras (in the past). He first joined Lazio in 1985 and later returned in 2004.

Lazio has had a long and fascinating relationship with Argentinian footballers, many of whom have left a lasting legacy at the club.

Some of the most notable Argentinians to have played for Lazio are Juan Sebastián Verón (1999–2001), Diego Simeone (1999–2003), Hernán Crespo (2000-2002) Matías Almeyda (1997–2000) and Roberto Sensini (1999–2001).

Rivalries

AS Roma – The Derby della Capitale is one of the fiercest rivalries in world football, marked by deep social, political (even though more recently both main Ultra sets have similar political views), and territorial divisions in the Eternal City.
Napoli – Tensions have grown, especially since the 2010s, due to both fan incidents and competition.
Juventus and Fiorentina – Competitive rivalries … the ‘transferta’ to Florence for the Fiorentina game is a right of passage for Lazio fans.
Livorno – Politically charged, with Lazio ultras being far-right and Livorno’s far-left. In the early 2000s there were some very fiery meetings.

Friendships

Inter Milan – One of the most enduring ultras friendships in Italy, rooted in political alignment and shared enemies.
Hellas Verona – Another far-right alliance among ultras.
Triestina – Based on ideological affinity. This bond started in the 1970s.
Real Madrid (Ultras Sur) – International friendship among right-wing ultras.
Levski Sofia and West Ham – International ties on the same ideological grounds.
Wisła Kraków – known as the Sharks, have a close relationship with Lazio’s ultras group, with the two groups often seen together at matches. This friendship is notable because both groups are known for their strong, often politically charged, fan culture.

Ultra Groups

Irriducibili Lazio (1987–2020) – The most notorious and influential group, dissolved in 2020.
Ultras Lazio – The current dominant group, continuing the legacy of the Irriducibili with a visible presence in the Curva Nord and were formed after the Irriducibili folded.
Banda Noantri, Viking, Aquile – Smaller and historical Ultra groups.

Lazio’s ultras have a reputation for being politically far-right and have often courted controversy for fascist salutes, racist chants, and offensive displays.

It’s important to remember that this is a minority not a majority – and as a Lazio fan I have often discussed this.

Lazio e Libertà

Lazio e Libertà, is a very interesting organisation. They are the anti-fascist fan group within the SS Lazio community, including their recent activities and impact.

Founded in January 2020, Lazio e Libertà defines itself as a democratic, inclusive fan association that openly opposes fascism, racism, homophobia, and political extremism within Lazio’s ultras scene.

They advocate for support of the club rooted in civic values and community respect, rather than intimidation or hate.

Recent actions and campaigns have seen a focus on ‘Increasing Visibility & Voice’ they have worked to raise awareness within the Lazio community through posters, social media, and presence at fan events, affirming that support for Lazio can exist independently of the extremist politics associated with some ultras. They call on the club and ordinary fans to help reclaim their identity.

The group was notably vocal after episodes of antisemitic, racist, or fascist behavior by other sections of the Curva Nord, calling such actions unacceptable and urging stronger responses from both the club and authorities.

Ticket Information

Where to Buy:
- Official Lazio website (sslazio.it)
- Via the VivaTicket platform
- Lazio Style stores in Rome
- At the stadium on matchdays (if available)
Prices:
- Varies depending on the opponent, but typical prices range from €35 (Curva) to €70+ (Tribuna Monte Mario)
ID Requirement:
- Bring valid ID due to Italy’s strict fan ID (Fidelity Card) regulations for matches. You don’t need to buy a Fidelity Card to buy tickets but you do need to show photo ID when you get to the stadium.

How to Get to the Stadium – Stadio Olimpico

Address: Viale dei Gladiatori, Rome

Metro:
- Take Line A to Ottaviano or Flaminio station
- Then switch to Tram 2, get off at Piazzale delle Belle Arti and walk 15–20 mins
Bus:
- Routes 32, 69, 280, or 628 serve the stadium area. There is also the 910 bus that goes directly from Termini to Piazza Mancini.
Walking from City Centre:
- About 45–60 minutes from Piazza del Popolo or the Vatican

Where to Eat and Drink Before the Game

Near the Stadium:

Lazio fans can be found at Ponte Milvio at every home game – the historic Roman bridge area full of bars and pizzerias popular with fans before and after the game.

Fans meet there and enjoy a few drinks and to sing a few songs – you’ll often see lots of pyro and passion there!

Aristocampo is a good option, known for its friendly vibe, outdoor seating, and proximity to the Stadio Olimpico.
Jarro is another classic choice, located right on the Piazza, offering a wide selection of drinks and a laid-back atmosphere.
Roma Beer Company at Ponte Milvio is a popular spot for Lazio fans to gather before a game. It’s a lively place with a good selection of beers and food, making it a great place to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the pre-match buzz.
L’ Altro Chiosco – Another good bar in Ponte Milvio where you can enjoy a pre-match drink.

In front of Mi ‘ndujo and Radici you’ll find more vocal Lazio fans before the game – you can pop into bars and grab drinks. Alternatively there are often people selling beers for €5 and Caffè Borghetti for €2 (sometimes further from the stadium you can get three for €5).

There are plenty of food trucks as you walk from Ponte Milvio to the stadium.

What Lazio means to the fans

Lazio represents a counter-cultural identity in Rome – conservative, proud, and deeply rooted in Roman tradition.

For many of their fans, supporting Lazio is more than just football: it’s a declaration of identity.

The club’s image is shaped by its working-class Roman roots, fierce independence, and resistance against what they see as the dominant Roman narrative pushed by Roma.