Rome, Italy – In the heart of Rome, just a stone’s throw away from a local police station, lies a backstreet bar where Donny, a dedicated ultra, shares the emotional highs and lows of his life immersed in this intense subculture. For Donny, being an ultra is akin to being on the frontline of a battlefield – exhilarating yet filled with consequences, for which he takes full responsibility.
Donny’s journey as an ultra began with a series of conflicts at AS Roma, leading to his first banning order. Despite briefly adhering to the ban, he couldn’t resist the allure of the stadium atmosphere, ultimately resulting in a more stringent ban that requires him to report to the police station before and after each game. Despite facing another imminent trial and potential five-year stadium ban, Donny remains unapologetic, declaring he would make the same choices again without hesitation.
While some may view ultras as troublemakers with ties to organized crime due to their often tumultuous pasts, Marco, a fellow ultra, emphasizes that their actions stem from life’s hardships rather than criminal intent. He condemns the association between ultras and organized crime within their Curva, asserting their focus on their community and passion for their team.
However, police inspector Carmine Massarelli refutes this idealistic view, asserting a correlation between ultra groups and organized crime, citing their role in enabling criminal organizations to exert influence through illicit activities like drug trafficking and extortion. Massarelli argues that the violent actions of ultra fans serve to solidify their dominance over the territory, providing a platform for criminal organizations to thrive.
The complex interplay between ultras, law enforcement, and society underscores a deeper societal issue that transcends mere sports fandom. As Donny and Marco navigate their roles within this contentious subculture, their experiences shed light on the intricate relationship between passion, loyalty, and the darker forces at play within the world of ultras in Rome.