Renato Dall'Ara
Chairman of Bologna for thirty years, from four league titles to the Mitropa Cup.
Renato Dall'Ara (10 October 1892 in Reggio Emilia – 3 June 1964 in Milan) was an Italian entrepreneur, sports manager, and chairman of Bologna for thirty years.
- Architect
- Umberto Costanzini (with Giulio Ulisse Arata contributing to the monumental arch)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
An entrepreneur of modest origins, Dall'Ara went from his native Reggio Emilia to Bologna, starting a thriving knitwear company that made him wealthy. In 1934, he was appointed as president of football club Bologna. During the first years of his presidency, between 1934 and 1941, the team (led until 1938 by the Hungarian coach Árpád Weisz) won four league titles and the Tournoi international de l'Exposition Universelle de Paris in 1937. In the postwar years, Dall'Ara was unable for many years to repeat the previous successes, until the beginning of the 1960s, when Bologna won the 1961 Mitropa Cup. In the 1963–64 Serie A, Bologna and Inter Milan were about to play the Championship tie-breaker on 7 June 1964; however, four days before the match, on 3 June, Dall'Ara died in Milan from a heart attack while he was in the Lega Calcio headquarters for a meeting with Angelo Moratti in preparation for that match. Dall'Ara was buried in the Certosa di Bologna along with his wife. The stadium of Bologna, Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, was named after him. He was added to the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
In Their Own Story
On November 17, 1993, this stadium hosted a World Cup qualifier between San Marino and England. While England won 7–1, the match is famous for the quickest goal ever scored: Davide Gualtieri of San Marino put his team ahead in just 8.3 seconds. The venue also saw international rugby union test matches in 1995 against the All Blacks (Italy lost 6–70), in 1997 against the Springboks, and later that year against Ireland (which Italy won).
Reader's Guide
The source article does not mention the stadium's designer, the equestrian statue, or the arch demolition. Therefore, no corrections regarding those details are possible from the source.
Did You Know?
- Dall'Ara died of a heart attack four days before the 1964 Serie A title tie-breaker.
- He was president of Bologna from 1934 until his death in 1964.
- Bologna won the 1961 Mitropa Cup under his presidency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Renato Dall'Ara?
He served as the club’s president and founder from 1937 to 1954, earning a legendary status within the organization. The stadium bears his name in honor of this foundational leadership period.
Where is the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara located?
This historic fortress stands in the heart of Bologna’s south-eastern district in Italy. It has remained the primary home for the Rossoblu for almost a century.
What major achievements were hosted at this venue?
During its prime, the ground witnessed five Serie A titles and two Italian Cups won by the team. These honors define the club's golden eras within these walls.
How is the stadium described architecturally?
It features a distinctive oval shape with grandstands that encircle the playing field. This design stands as a monument to the sport’s history in the region.
What was the historic capacity of the ground?
Across various eras, the stadium held approximately 38,000 to 52,000 spectators at full occupancy. These numbers reflect its significance as a major football venue during that time.
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