Stadio Renato Dall'Ara

Home of Bologna FC, a historic stadium with World Cup and record-breaking moments.

Stadio Renato Dall'Ara is a multi-purpose stadium in Bologna, Italy. It is currently used mostly for football matches and the home of Bologna FC. The stadium was designed by Giulio Ulisse Arata and inaugurated in 1927 as Stadio Littoriale. It was one of the first stadiums to incorporate the stands into the architecture, an innovation which later became the model for stadiums around the world. The large arch contained an equestrian statue of the dictator Benito Mussolini, which was destroyed during the city's liberation in 1943. The stadium replaced the Stadio Sterlino and is named after Renato Dall'Ara (1892–1964), a former president of Bologna for thirty years.

Quick Facts

Location: Bologna, Italy
Groundbreaking: 1925
Opened: 1927
Renovated: 2015
Owner: Bologna Football Club 1909; Bologna City Council
Operator: Bologna Football Club 1909
Surface: Grass; 105x68m
Former names: Stadio Littoriale (1927–1945); Stadio Comunale (1945–1983)

Lore & Background

The stadium hosted matches in both the 1934 FIFA World Cup and the 1990 FIFA World Cup. The last match of the tournament played there was the England vs Belgium match in the Round of 16 which ended 1–0 courtesy of an extra-time goal scored by David Platt in the 119th minute. Located in the Saragozza district, about 3.5 km from the center of the city, it regularly hosts Bologna's home matches. The stadium has around 36,000 seats and its capacity can be increased up to 55,000 for concerts.

Reader's Guide

International fixtures: The 17 November 1993 qualifier between San Marino and England finished with England winning 7–1, but only after the hosts scored in the opening seconds of the match. It was the quickest goal ever scored, by Davide Gualtieri of San Marino, taking 8.3 seconds to put his team ahead against England. The stadium also hosted three international rugby union test match in 1995, Italy vs. All Blacks (the All Blacks won the game 70–6), in 1997 Italy vs. Springboks (the Springboks won the game) and Italy vs. Ireland (Italy won the game). The stadium features as the lead song on the Los Campesinos! album 'Sick Scenes'.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the stadium named after Renato Dall'Ara?

The name honors a former club president who served the team for thirty years during his life from 1892 to 1964. Originally inaugurated as Stadio Littoriale, it was renamed to recognize his long leadership.

Which major international tournaments were hosted there?

Stadio Renato Dall'Ara played host to matches during both the 1934 and 1990 FIFA World Cups. These high-profile games highlight its importance in football history alongside its role as a club home.