Local Bergamo newspaper gives ‘brave’ Celtic support rave review

Reflecting on the green-and-white takeover of the Italian city, L'Eco Di Bergamo saluted the "great celebration of cheering and colour" both before, during and after the match.

The outlet reserved special mention for those travelling to back Celtic braving the weather in only shorts alongside their Celtic replica shirts during the "timid October" in comparison to climates back in Scotland. 

Bergamo’s local newspaper salutes the ‘brave’ Celtic fans in shorts and their capacity to drink beer and create a party atmosphere’!
Bergsmo si colora di biancoverde: in città 1.300 scozzesi https://t.co/gdGmENdNiL

— Ronaldopatrizio (@ronaldopatrizio) October 23, 2024

A section of the article reads: "From Tuesday and even on the day of the match, Wednesday, October 23, the black and green colours can be seen around the city.

"The trip of Celtic fans to Bergamo is a decidedly large one: 1,300 will fill the away section of the Gewiss Stadium, but many (a few hundred) are in the city even without tickets and will follow the match in the bars.

"As usual, football mixes with tourism. But always with a sense of belonging: strictly dressed in black and green, several groups of Celtic fans can be seen between the Piacenza centre and the Upper Town. 

"A touch of colour, many are walking around in T-shirts and shorts; used to the more biting climate of Glasgow, the timid October in Bergamo has for them the heat of early summer."

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Amongst those backing Celtic in Italy were members of the Bergamo Celts, albeit watching from a pub in the upper town having been unable to secure tickets.

The group - who attend two matches a season in Scotland - were formed in 2013 and hold a global reach connecting Celtic supporters from outwith Scotland while also raising funds for charity.

"It's a bit of a divisive match, because in addition to supporting Celtic, you also support Atalanta," said representative Fabrizio Mangili. "But yes, our heart is more in Celtic: it's not easy, but it only happens once...

"Yes, we dreamed of a match like this. But it's one thing to dream, it's another thing to make certain dreams come true."

As Celtic supporters left the city centre to head for the Gewiss Stadium, journalist Luca Bonzanni commented: "A celebration of cheering and colour, ready for the match."