Virtus

Fortitudo

As well as having a great football team, Bologna is home to two of the top basketball teams in Europe. Mascarella have supporters of both clubs so naturally there is a bit of friendly rivalry.

Virtus Pallacanestro Bologna were founded in 1927 and have been Italian champions sixteen times, second only to Olimpia Milano in numbers. They play at the Virtus Segafredo Arena which has a capacity of just under 10,000. Regular participants in European competitions, Virtus have won the EuroLeague twice, the last time being in 2001.

Fortitudo Bologna were founded a few years after Virtus in 1932 and for much of their history played second fiddle to their arch rivals. They did win their first Italian title until 2000, but then were a major force for the next few years losing four consecutive finals before being crowned champions again in 2005. However, shortly after this period when Fortitude became the dominant force in Italian basketball, they were struck down by financial irregularities which resulted in relegation and suspension. They have never really recovered from these problems and have struggled ever since. Hopefully, they will soon remerge as a major force in Italian basketball again.

Both teams are located quite close to Mascarella. Virtus play at the Virtus Segafredo Arena, which is a bit north of the city and has a capacity of just under 10,000. Fortitudo play at the PalaDozza, which is inside the city walls and about half the size of the Virtus Segafredo Arena. Both are packed full of enthusiastic fans for most games amongst which are many the Mascarella community.