PRO PATRIA 1 V VIRTUS VERONA 3 - STADIO CARLO SPERONI - SERIE C - 20th APRIL 2024

Aurora Pro Patria are a team on the northern suburbs of Milan who were formed in 1919. They have competed as high as Serie A in the 1950's and play at the sub 5000 capacity Stadio Speroni.  Much of their recent history is in the lower leagues and since their intitial formation, have been reformed twice, most recently in 2009 following financial troubles.

Getting there - Stadio Speroni is in the outer Milan suburb of Busto Arizio,  between Malpensa Airport and the city and visible on the Malpensa Express train line. Our late arriving train from the first game of the day at Brescia meant a re routing of plans and getting a train from Port Garibaldi to Castellanza. Arriving at Castellanza just on KO, we made it in with 10 mins gone in the first half. 

Getting in - Tickets from Vivaticket for 19 Euro in the Distinti stand. The website map of the stadium didn't correspond to where we thought we were going so lost a few minutes getting in by walking to the wrong entrance on the opposite side. 

What its like - The stadium accommodates the fan base in two covered stands either side of the pitch.  There are additional uncovered areas behind one goal and next to the more modern Distinti stand.  Attendance for this mid table saturday night game was about 500 and whilst we wernt expecting much,  sometimes the least expecting can give the most entertainnment and this was entertaining both on and off the pitch. 

Verona went 2-0 ahead in the first half, one a good volley in off the post from the edge of the area, the other a controversial penalty that had the locals in uproar,  but it did look a bit soft (see for yourself below). 

Having navigated to the trestle table of refreshments at half time, strategically placed between the Ultras and the main section, we returned to our seats with beers to enjoy 2nd half Pro Patria domination. Kicking towards our end the players also had to contend with a group of elderly men gathered at the front of the distinti stand who continually walked away throwing their hands up in disgust and frustration at each failed attack, or referee decision they didnt like.  Very enjoyable but we all sympathised. On 80 minutes the old men made no such move when a wonderful 30 yard strike got Pro Patria back in the game.  The hope didn't last long and Virtus scored from a corner a few minutes later to take the 3 points.