Derby della Lanterna: 5 symbolic places for Genoa and Sampdoria fans
Genoa and surroundings
The Derby della Lanterna is known to be one of the fiercest and most spectacular football and city rivalries in the world. The eternal contest between the Rossoblù and the Blucerchiati, however, goes far beyond the pitch and the stands of the Ferraris stadium, involving the entire city of Genoa and some of its most iconic places. Starting with the murals of Marassi, Genoa and Sampdoria fans have shown great creativity and devotion to their team's colours over the years.
The stages
The murals of the Ferraris stadiumThe flag of Boccadasse
Bar Roma
The "Galletto al mattone" and Bar Lino
The Pier of Friendship
The murals of the Ferraris stadium
This journey to discover some of the most iconic places for both fanbases begins at Genoa's stadium, inaugurated in 1911 and holding the title of "Italy's oldest football ground." The two stands have been decorated with murals celebrating the history and figures who have made both of the city's teams great. At the entrance to the North Stand, you can fully immerse yourself in the purest and deepest Genoa spirit, walking among stylised depictions of stars and old Rossoblù hearts such as Gianluca Signorini, Diego Milito, and the great Fabrizio De André. The same goes for the South Stand, the stronghold of the Doria fans, adorned with striking murals dedicated to the Blucerchiati faithful, legends like Boskov, and historic events such as the victory in the Cup Winners' Cup in Gothenburg.
The flag of Boccadasse
According to tradition, the colours and symbol of Genoa have proudly flown on the Boccadasse rock since 1974. In those years, the Genoa Club Patiti Rossoblù established the "Scoglio d'Oro" trophy, a prestigious award given to the best Rossoblù player of the season, and it was on that occasion that Genoa fans first hoisted the Griffin's flag on the rock of the ancient fishing village. Despite storms and a few cheeky pranks by Blucerchiati rivals, the flag has always been retrieved and returned to guard the small, picturesque bay. Many fans believe that the flag brings good luck to Genoa both on and off the pitch (or bad luck if removed), so it’s best not to move it from its rock!
Il Bar Roma
Bar Roma in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, in the Sampierdarena district, is without a doubt the Mecca for every Sampdoria fan. It was in this historic place that, on 12 August 1946, the agreement was reached to merge the red, white, and black Ginnastica Comunale Sampierdarenese with the blue and white Ginnastica Andrea Doria, officially giving birth to Sampdoria. The memory of that glorious day is still commemorated by a marble plaque, crafted by the ancient Doveri company, located near this legendary temple of Blucerchiati culture.
The "Galletto al mattone" and Bar Lino
For many years, one of the beating hearts of Genoa spirit in the city was Piazza Alimonda. Between the post-war years and the 1950s, the players of the Griffin had a regular meeting for their traditional pre-match lunch at "Galletto al Mattone," a venue that belonged to the flamboyant Rossoblù reserve player Carletto Brezzi. Every Sunday, before taking to the pitch, the footballers and their families would gather to eat together in the square, often welcoming fans to join their tables. Just a short walk from this legendary establishment is Bar Lino, a historic stronghold of Rossoblù support and home to the Genoa Club Alimonda until recently.
The Pier of Friendship
Among the favourite spots in Genoa of the legendary Gianluca Vialli, the Pier of Friendship in Quinto is undoubtedly a beloved place for every Blucerchiato fan. Following his passing, this location, situated between the sea and the coast, has become a pilgrimage site for fans, athletes, friends, and admirers of a gentleman striker who captured the hearts of Sampdoria supporters and all football lovers, regardless of rivalries and different football allegiances. Today, scarves, murals, and special tributes celebrate the immortal hero of Sampdoria’s Scudetto in this true monument to his greatness overlooking the Ligurian Sea.
