Which Soccer Rivalry to Watch in Italy

FIFA World Cup rolls around every four years, so it’s hard for Americans to follow soccer (because who wants to watch MLS?). If you’re looking to attend a match while you’re in Italy, check out one of these top club rivalries.

Juventus F.C./Torino F.C.

Juventus is one of the most successful clubs in Italian soccer, garnering a reputation for being Italy’s team, similar to the Dallas Cowboys in America. Its fan base is widespread around the world while Torino F.C. has traditionally been supported by the region’s left-wing soccer fans.

A.S. Roma/S.S. Lazio

Many soccer rivalries overlap with political ideologies, the most notable of which is A.S. Roma and S.S. Lazio. Lazio was the favorite team of Mussolini, and its fan base historically leans on the right wing of Italian politics, while Roma is championed by the working class left. The teams currently share a stadium, though Roma’s new home will be completed this year.

A.C. Milan/Inter Milan

Inter and A.C. are two of the most successful soccer teams in Italy, the Derby della Madonnina is one the best matches one can watch in the world of soccer, though both teams have been lagging behind Juventus in recent years. A.C. Milan won their last meeting 3–0 last January.