Bologna vs Real Madrid 1956 European Cup
Forte Franco Fermo Fiero
Virtus Pallacanestro Bologna, known for sponsorship reasons as Virtus Olidata Bologna, is an Italian professional basketball club based in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna. The club was founded in 1927, which makes it the oldest club in Italy and one of the oldest in Europe. Virtus is the second most titled basketball club in Italy after Olimpia Milano, having won 17 Italian national championships, 8 Italian National Cups and 4 Italian Supercups. Moreover, it is one of the most successful teams in European competitions, having won two EuroLeagues, one EuroCup, one FIBA Saporta Cup, one EuroChallenge and one Basketball Champions League. It currently plays in the Italian first division LBA as well as in the EuroLeague. The club is owned by the coffee entrepreneur Massimo Zanetti.
Quick Facts
- Competition
- Friendly match
- Attendance
- Approx. 20,000
Lore & Background
Virtus was founded in 1871 as a gymnastics club, forming its first professional basketball team in 1927 — considered the first reunion of members and players — as part of a multi sports club. The club's motto was Forte Franco Fermo Fiero and was inserted in the logo under the Black V, with a cross made by four F; the motto is still used by Virtus today. The team's home court was the former church of Santa Lucia in the city center. The first official championship of Virtus dates back to 1929. From 1929 to 1934, Virtus played in the first and second divisions within Emilia region. In 1934, the Bolognese team won the division tournament, obtaining promotion to the top tournament. In July 1945, Virtus won its first national Serie A title, defeating 35–31 Reyer Venezia in the final.
Reader's Guide
The club's home court was the former church of Santa Lucia. After World War II, Santa Lucia was no longer available and the team moved to Sala Borsa, the city's stock exchange. In 1956, a new arena known as 'Sports Hall' was inaugurated, later nicknamed Il Madison and renamed PalaDozza in 1966.
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