Analogue photographer Alessandro Barbini shares his photos of the distinctive Stadio Renato Dall’Ara – a historical and architectural landmark of the city of Bologna.
Alessandro Barbini is a 23 year old amateur analogue photographer from Bologna in Northern Italy.
Barbini supports his home city football team Bologna F.C 1909.
Founded in 1909, Bologna – as they are more commonly known – were one of the founding football teams of Serie A and since 1927 have played their home matches at the historic Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
The stadium famously hosted England’s Italia 90 group game clash against Belgium, which ended 1–0 thanks to David Platt’s iconic match winning volley in extra-time.
Here, Barbini shares with Lower Block his photographs of Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, and explains the history and relevance to the city and football fans.
“These are my analogue photographs of Dall’Ara, Bologna’s stadium.
“This stadium is not only a place where I enjoy watching football matches, but it is also a historical and architectural landmark of the city.
“The stadium was inaugurated in 1927 as Littoriale Stadium and renamed in 1983 after Renato Dall’Ara, a former president of Bologna F.C. 1909.
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“The stadium has a capacity of 36,462 spectators and hosted several matches of the World Cup in 1934 and 1990. The stadium has a distinctive oval shape with a single-tiered stand that runs along the entire perimeter. The stadium has undergone several renovations over the years, most notably in 1989-90 when new seats, lighting and security systems were installed. Is also known for hosting concerts by famous artists such as U2, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie.
“The most distinctive feature of the stadium is the marathon tower, a 42-meter high monument that symbolises the spirit of competition and endurance of the athletes. The tower was designed by Giulio Ulisse Arata and erected in the place where Ugo Bassi, a patriot of the Italian Risorgimento, was executed.
“If you ever visit Bologna, I recommend you to check it out. It’s not only a place for sports fans, but also for culture lovers.”
Give Barbini’s Analog Ultras Instagram account a follow for more great photography.
Watch David Platt’s volley for England against Belgium at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara below.
If you enjoyed that, you may also like Andy Barrow’s photographs of the San Siro.
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