„Travel broadens the mind” – this saying takes on a special meaning when learning goes beyond school walls and becomes an adventure. Our trip to Italy is not just an opportunity to learn the language and traditions of the country, but above all, to understand how deeply sport is rooted in the culture and daily life of Italians.
Fascism, communism, and football: how Italians fought for their city on the pitch.
Trieste is a unique city located in northern Italy, one that has almost always changed hands. It was ruled by the Romans, Austrians, French, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and even subjected to itself.
The port city on the Adriatic was a prized possession not only due to its location but also its strategic importance. Trieste became an important commercial port and opened up to the whole world. It is no surprise that after World War I, there was a fierce battle over who would claim this jewel. After the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Trieste was annexed by Italy, which was a point of pride for the country, and Trieste became a symbol of national unity.
However, during World War II, Trieste was occupied by the Germans and later, in 1945, taken over by Yugoslav troops. The Italians, however, were not willing to give up their territory, and a dispute over Trieste began.
In 1947, the Free Territory of Trieste was established as a formally independent region, divided into two zones: Zone A, administered by the Allies, and Zone B, administered by Yugoslavia. In 1954, Zone A was annexed by Italy, and Zone B was joined to Yugoslavia.
Today, Trieste is a peaceful, cosmopolitan city, a symbol of cultural coexistence and past border disputes. It is famous for its coffee, literature, and fashion.
Triestina is a football club from Trieste that has produced great players. The first to gain national recognition was Nereo Rocco, who later became a legend of Milan.
True glory began in the late 1930s when the club featured players like Bruno Chizzo, Gino Colaussi, and Pietro Pasinati. Thanks to this trio, the club nearly claimed the national championship in the 1937/38 season, and Italy won the gold at the 1938 World Cup.
A significant factor in the club’s success was the support from the government and influential politicians, who, „for the good of the country,” expanded the league to ensure Triestina could stay in it. Additionally, Giulio Andreotti provided the club with 500 million lire in support. The money was delivered monthly by a policeman on a motorcycle, traveling 1400 km between Rome and Trieste, back and forth.
Triestina played a match against the Yugoslav army, and the outcome of the game led to the city being divided into two parts. One of these parts became the Free Territory of Trieste. The Ponziana club split into two separate clubs: one Italian, playing in Serie C, and the other Yugoslav, playing in the top division. Matches between these teams attracted huge interest and were seen as political demonstrations. In 1974, during the Trieste derby, 20,000 fans gathered at the stadium, which was extraordinary for a match of such a low rank. This event highlighted the deep social and political divisions in the city.
„The Match for Freedom” is not just a story about football but also about how sport can reflect and influence political and social tensions. The rivalry between the Trieste clubs symbolized a larger conflict over national identity and the territorial belonging of the city.
Born in 1881, Alcide De Gasperi was an Italian politician who served as Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He played a significant role in the annexation of Trieste to Italy by conducting intensive diplomacy, which culminated in success in 1954. His actions were diplomatic in nature, but tensions had already existed in the region between Italians, Croats, and Slovenians due to ethnic and national conflicts.
Alcide De Gasperi did not participate directly in the Football War in a direct context, but he played an important political role in the region in the post-war years, which had a significant impact on the local community.
Demesne far hearted suppose venture excited see had has. Dependent on so extremely delivered by. Yet no jokes worse her why. Bed one supposing breakfast day fulfilled off depending questions.
© 2023 All right reserved
