Last Sunday marked the 196th edition of the Turin derby played between Torino and Juventus, locally named the Derby della Mole in reference to the local landmark named the Mole Antonelliana. While dominance from the Bianconeri half of the city in recent years has meant that the matchup has been less of a contest on the pitch in recent years, the atmosphere has remained top notch, as this weekend certainly proved.
Of course all cross-city rivals host hotly contested fixtures of this nature, but a mismatch in terms of ability on the pitch is all part of what separates these two sides, and is why both sets of fans are keen to put their pride for their colours on display in this particular fixture. Both Juve and Torino have a proud history and sense of belonging in the city of Turin, however they couldn’t be more different in terms of the direction they have taken.
Torino remain a traditional club who are immensely proud of their history, but have not won a Serie A title since the 1975/76 campaign. Their only success on a European stage remains a Mitropa cup win in 1990/91, a feat that pales in comparison to the success of their neighbours. This inability to compete has meant the gulf in terms of quality of the sides continues to widen – the Granata having earned just one draw in the last eight derby fixtures in all competitions – but this does not curb the Toro fans’ enthusiasm one single bit.
Their story could’ve been so different if it wasn’t for a plane crash that killed their entire playing squad in 1949. The tragic Superga disaster wiped out a squad of players who had enjoyed unparalleled success, meaning Torino – and indeed the Italian national team – had to start again from scratch while Juventus blossomed, financed by the Agnelli family, owners of FIAT. Such a tragic event could not fail to have influenced the fact that Toro will never renounce their history, the city emblem of the bull proudly displayed on their club crest.
However, Juventus have moved forward in a more modern direction, their recent change of logo into the letter “J” the sheer embodiment of the differences between the two. The club has become a major player as a global sporting brand, their success a massive tool for marketing as a rapidly expanding number of foreign supporters has shown. A fantastic museum and a tribute to former stars on the walkway inside Juventus stadium demonstrates that this club are by no means dismissive of the past, however they choose to display it in an entirely different fashion.
Therefore, the Turin derby is not just a meeting of rivals, but a clash between opposing football cultures. While the black and white half can boast about success on the pitch, the Granata supporters can sneer at the corporate entity of Juventus. At the aptly named Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino last Saturday, these differences were on full display as Juventus took home the three points but Torino emerged with pride in themselves and their team fully intact.
