Founded in 1903, Hellas Verona is a club with deep roots in Italian football and a passionate fanbase that proudly waves the yellow and blue flags of Verona.
Known for their intense spirit, gritty football, and one of the most surprising title wins in Serie A history, Hellas Verona is more than just a team — it’s an emblem of identity for the city.
Their fans, known for fierce loyalty and unwavering belief, have turned the club into one of the most atmospheric in Italy.
Achievements
- Serie A Champions: 1984–85 (under Osvaldo Bagnoli)
- Serie B Winners: 1956–57, 1981–82, 1998–99
- Multiple promotions and dramatic survival stories in Serie A
Their 1984–85 Scudetto remains one of the most romantic and unexpected league triumphs in football history, achieved in an era when Italian football was packed with world stars.
Hellas Verona’s 1984–85 Serie A title remains one of the greatest underdog stories in football history.
Led by tactician Osvaldo Bagnoli, and powered by players like Elkjær, Briegel, and Di Gennaro, Verona defied all expectations to become champions of Italy in an era dominated by global stars and giants like Juventus and Milan.
Their victory wasn’t about flashy football, but team spirit, tactical intelligence, and belief. It gave hope to every small club in Europe — proof that with the right blend of unity, strategy, and courage, David could beat Goliath.
Legends
- Preben Elkjær – The Danish striker who symbolized the club’s title-winning flair.
- Hans-Peter Briegel – Powerful German midfielder who played a vital role in the 1985 success.
- Osvaldo Bagnoli – Mastermind of the 1984–85 title, regarded as one of Italy’s finest tacticians.
- Emiliano Mascetti – Record appearance-maker and club icon.
- Luca Toni – Veteran striker who helped the club back to Serie A glory in the 2010s.
- Federico Cossato & Mauro Camoranesi – Local heroes who played with grit and heart.
Best coaches
- Osvaldo Bagnoli – The architect of Verona’s miracle Scudetto.
- Ivan Jurić – Revitalized the club’s style between 2019–2021, emphasizing pressing, intensity, and modern tactics.
- Cesare Prandelli – Managed Verona before rising to the national team; respected for his principles.
Rivalries & Friendships
Main rivalries:
- Chievo Verona – The Verona derby (Derby della Scala), a fierce city rivalry (EVEN THOUGH THEY WENT BANKRUPT AND HAVE RE-FORMED)
- Vicenza – A regional clash steeped in historic competition.
- Brescia – Often politically and culturally charged. (ANOTHER ONE THAT HAS GONE BANKRUPT – WE DON’T KNOW WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN YET WITH THEM)
- Napoli and Atalanta – Tense due to historic incidents and ideological fan tensions.
Friendships:
- Fiorentina – A strong friendship between ultras, often displayed with banners and solidarity.
- Lazio and Inter – Ultras maintain good relations, especially due to shared ideological leanings.
Ultras and Supporters
The Verona curva is one of the most passionate (and controversial) in Italy:
- Brigate Gialloblù (BGB) – Once the leading ultra group, founded in the 1970s.
- Curva Sud Hellas Verona – Home of hardcore support.
- Support is intense, loud, and driven by pride in the club’s history and the city’s identity.
While some groups have drawn criticism for far-right political affiliations, the atmosphere at the Bentegodi remains among the most intimidating and vibrant in Serie A.
Ticket information
- Tickets can be purchased via the official club website or at Vivaticket outlets.
- Prices vary based on opponent and section but are generally affordable compared to bigger clubs.
- Advance booking is recommended for major matches and derbies.
How to get to the stadium
Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi
- Capacity: 39,000
- Location: North-west Verona, 2 km from city centre
- Bus: Line 11, 12, or 13 from Verona Porta Nuova train station
- Foot: 20–25 minutes’ walk from the station
- Car: Limited parking nearby on matchdays — better to use public transport
Where to eat and drink before the game
- Bacchabundus – A popular pre-match pub for fans near the stadium.
- Trattoria al Bersagliere – Traditional Veronese food in a historic setting.
- Osteria da Ugo – Ideal for local cuisine in the city center before heading to the match.
- Birreria Pedavena Verona – Good beer selection, often frequented by football fans.
Recommended books in English about Hellas Verona
“A Season with Verona” by Tim Parks
- An immersive, season-long narrative from the perspective of an English fan living in Italy. Tim Parks follows Hellas Verona through the dramatic 2000–01 Serie A season, capturing relegation battles, ultras culture, and the emotional heartbeat of Italian football.
- It’s part sport memoir, part cultural travelogue—delivering vivid matchday reportage alongside deep reflections on community, regional identity, and the nature of fanaticism.
- Widely considered a cult classic among English-language calcio books.
“Verona Campione: The Miracle of ’85” by Richard Hough
- Released in May 2025 to mark the 40th anniversary of Hellas Verona’s incredible 1984–85 Scudetto season.
- Offers in-depth storytelling through interviews with players, fans, and journalists who witnessed the underdog triumph.
- This richly detailed account places the miracle season within the broader context of 1980s Serie A — full of legends like Platini, Maradona, and Briegel.
What it means to support Hellas
Supporting Hellas Verona is about belonging to something fiercely local and proud.
The club represents the soul of a city steeped in history and culture but often overshadowed by Italy’s giants.
For Veronese fans, loyalty isn’t tied to success but to identity — to cheering on the Gialloblù whether they’re facing Juventus or fighting relegation.
To wear the yellow and blue is to stand for resilience, passion, and that miraculous 1985 season that proved even the underdog can become a champion.
