In the shadow of the Gran Sasso d’Italia, the city of L’Aquila is not just a hub of academic excellence but a bastion of Abruzzo’s deep-rooted sporting heritage. The region’s football clubs are not among the Italian elite, but the culture of the beautiful game is still present. For students in the city, supporting a local team is a great way to integrate into the social fabric of their new home.
From the roar of the local ‘Curva’ to the high-stakes drama of the capital’s giants, here are five of the ebst football teams near L’Aquila to support.
L’Aquila 1927 (Serie D)
Naturally, the first choice for any student in the city is the hometown club, L’Aquila 1927. Currently competing in the upper echelons of Serie D, the club is unique due to its fan ownership model. Nicknamed a ‘people’s club’, the team is deeply connected to its city and with the student population.
Watching a match at the Stadio Gran Sasso d’Italia-Italo Acconcia is an immersive experience. The stadium is located within the city itself, making it easily accessible for a break from studies. Supporting the famous Rossoblù (Red and Blues) allows students to enjoy watching a team fighting to return to its previous glories in the second division. Promotion to Serie C would be monumental for the city, and its passionate supporters will takeover the city once more.
Pescara Calcio (Serie C)
The closest high-profile professional team in the nearby area is Pescara Calcio. They’re the regional giants and are located around an hour’s drive from L’Aquila. Pescara currently compete in Serie C and are known as the Delfini (Dolphins). The club has a storied history, including several stints playing in Serie A under legendary figures like Zdeněk Zeman.
The Stadio Adriatico offers a professional-grade atmosphere that few other teams in the region can match. For students, a trip to Pescara offers a big city matchday experience, complete with high-intensity play and a massive home support.
Teramo Calcio 1913 (Serie D)
The rivalry between L’Aquila 1917 and Teramo is one of the oldest and fiercest in Abruzzo. While local students are expected to support the local heroes, some choose to go rogue by following the Diavoli (Devils) due to the respective city’s close geographic and academic ties.
Teramo currently play in the same division as L’Aquila, making their head-to-head ‘Derby del Gran Sasso’ the highlight of the season. Following Teramo provides a classic local hero narrative. Their stadium, the Stadio Gaetano Bonolis is more modern than many similar clubs’ and offers great views.
Chieti FC 1922 (Serie D)
Another historic pillar of Abruzzo football, Chieti FC is a staple of the fourth tier. Supporting the Neroverdi (Black and Green) connects students to one of the most resilient clubs in Italian football. Chieti has a gritty, hard-working identity that mirrors that of its local community.
The Stadio Angelini is famous for its traditional Italian terrace culture and trulpy epitmises what it means to follow the region’s provincial football leagues, where fans and club are connected like in few other places.
AS Roma & SS Lazio (Serie A)
While officially found in the Lazio region, Rome is remarkably accessible from L’Aquila. It is roughly one and a half to two hours by direct bus (TUA or FlixBus). For students who want to experience the pinnacle of world football, supporting AS Roma or SS Lazio is a fun choice.
Roma are renowned for their iconic Curva Sud and fans who treat the club like a religion. Legends such as Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi, and Gabriel Batistuta have all graced the hallowed Roman turf.
Meanwhile, the blue side of the city, SS Lazio have equally passionate fans, but is widely considered the smaller of the two clubs. Despite only being champions of Italy twice (in 1974 and 2000), the club has been home to footballing icons like Paul Gascoigne, Giuseppe Signori, and Ciro Immobile.
Both teams play at the iconic Stadio Olimpico. While tickets for the Derby della Capitale are hard to come by, regular league matches provide an accessible way for students to see global stars in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
L’Aquila is Calling
The sporting passion of the Italian people is among the greatest in the world, and football can take things to new heights on matchday. Will you choose to support one of the clubs in this guide? Or forge your own path by supporting one of the many other football teams near L’Aquila?
Either way, we cannot wait to showcase this historic city to you. Explore our range of properties in L’Aquila and across Europe today, and embark on an adventure that’ll last a lifetime.
