honorable mention
MATTEO BERGAMI italy
Photo © MATTEO BERGAMI
title
Faith
Identity of an Ultras group
In the 1990s, Bologna's two basketball teams, Fortitudo and Virtus, consecrated Bologna as the capital of basketball. Not only Italy but also Europe acclaimed Bologna as the Basket City. It is not only the players, however, who reinforce this image. In fact, the unparalleled fan base of one of the longest-running ultras groups in Italian history - La Fossa dei Leoni - contributes to the involvement of a large audience of supporters and fans.
Undisputed champions in the number of victories, Virtus, the Goliath of Bolognese basketball, cannot boast the same records in the fan base. More restrained in its successes on the court, Fortitudo has, for years, extracted from the hearts and souls of its supporters the essential ingredients to feel invincible regardless of the score achieved in games. Proving that true strength is not so much based on a good season's performance as on the bonds that evoke a sense of mutual belonging.
The Fossa dei Leoni, with more than half a century of history behind it, has been guiding Fortitudo's destiny from the stands of the Paladozza since 1970. A spirit of sharing, faith and enthusiasm are the characteristics of the small community that the Utras animate to support their idols. These characteristics have led to a boom in audience numbers, with a record average of almost 4,400 spectators reached in the 2022/23 season alone. Through its creativity, the Pit was successful for its choreographies, an iconic fresco that served as a backdrop for the players' passes and more. The voices raised by its choruses, the same voices that can be heard beyond the confines of the PalaDozza walls, have supported the team over time, no matter what. Its logo tattooed on the skin, its brand of clothes, its tribal rhythm
Over the years, however, I have abandoned this passion to devote myself to basketball, a sport that has given me so much and that over time has introduced me to many of my closest friends.
Over the last few years I have decided to pick up that reflex camera again and I have explored the expressive possibilities of this art, photography, taking part in various courses at the Fulvio Bugani and Giulio di Meo school in Bologna.
I started to travel and by "shooting" I found the adrenaline of parquet.
back to gallery
entry description
FAITHIdentity of an Ultras group
In the 1990s, Bologna's two basketball teams, Fortitudo and Virtus, consecrated Bologna as the capital of basketball. Not only Italy but also Europe acclaimed Bologna as the Basket City. It is not only the players, however, who reinforce this image. In fact, the unparalleled fan base of one of the longest-running ultras groups in Italian history - La Fossa dei Leoni - contributes to the involvement of a large audience of supporters and fans.
Undisputed champions in the number of victories, Virtus, the Goliath of Bolognese basketball, cannot boast the same records in the fan base. More restrained in its successes on the court, Fortitudo has, for years, extracted from the hearts and souls of its supporters the essential ingredients to feel invincible regardless of the score achieved in games. Proving that true strength is not so much based on a good season's performance as on the bonds that evoke a sense of mutual belonging.
The Fossa dei Leoni, with more than half a century of history behind it, has been guiding Fortitudo's destiny from the stands of the Paladozza since 1970. A spirit of sharing, faith and enthusiasm are the characteristics of the small community that the Utras animate to support their idols. These characteristics have led to a boom in audience numbers, with a record average of almost 4,400 spectators reached in the 2022/23 season alone. Through its creativity, the Pit was successful for its choreographies, an iconic fresco that served as a backdrop for the players' passes and more. The voices raised by its choruses, the same voices that can be heard beyond the confines of the PalaDozza walls, have supported the team over time, no matter what. Its logo tattooed on the skin, its brand of clothes, its tribal rhythm
about the photographer
I was born in Bologna and my first memories of photography date back to my father's old reflex camera...Over the years, however, I have abandoned this passion to devote myself to basketball, a sport that has given me so much and that over time has introduced me to many of my closest friends.
Over the last few years I have decided to pick up that reflex camera again and I have explored the expressive possibilities of this art, photography, taking part in various courses at the Fulvio Bugani and Giulio di Meo school in Bologna.
I started to travel and by "shooting" I found the adrenaline of parquet.
back to gallery
