Football is not just a sport, it is a way of life for many fans around the world. In Italy, football is more than just a game, it’s a cultural phenomenon that is deeply ingrained in the national psyche. Two of the most famous and successful football clubs in Italy are AC Milan and Inter Milan. Both clubs have a rich history, a long list of honours and, perhaps most importantly, a large and passionate fan base. In this article, we will explore which club has the strongest fan base and why.
The History of AC Milan and Inter Milan AC Milan was founded in 1899 by a group of English expatriates, and since then, they have become one of the most successful clubs in Italian football history. Milan has won 18 Serie A titles, 7 Champions League trophies, and 5 UEFA Super Cups. Inter Milan, on the other hand, was founded in 1908 and has won 19 Serie A titles, 3 Champions League trophies, and 2 UEFA Cups.
Both clubs have a rich history and have had some of the greatest players in football history play for them, such as Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Marco van Basten, Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Javier Zanetti.
Fan Base When it comes to the size of the fan base, both AC Milan and Inter Milan have millions of supporters all over the world. It is difficult to say which club has the largest fan base, as there are no official figures available. However, we can look at various factors to determine which club has the stronger fan base.
One of the most significant factors is the number of season ticket holders. AC Milan has around 38,000 season ticket holders, whereas Inter Milan has around 29,000. This suggests that AC Milan has a larger and more loyal fan base who are willing to commit to attending home games every season.
Another factor to consider is social media following. AC Milan has a larger following on social media, with 21.5 million followers on Instagram, compared to Inter Milan’s 12.8 million. However, Inter Milan has a stronger presence on Twitter, with 6.4 million followers compared to AC Milan’s 5.6 million.
It is also worth noting that both clubs have a significant international fan base, with fans all over the world. However, AC Milan has a larger following in countries like China and Japan, which are becoming increasingly important markets for football.
Derby della Madonnina One of the most significant football events in Italy is the Derby della Madonnina, the local derby between AC Milan and Inter Milan. This fixture is one of the most hotly contested in the world, with fans from both sides passionately supporting their team.
The derby has been played since 1908, and over the years, it has become much more than just a football match. The derby is a celebration of Milanese culture, with fans from both clubs taking to the streets to show their support. The atmosphere inside the San Siro stadium is electric, with fans singing and chanting throughout the game.
In conclusion, both AC Milan and Inter Milan have large and passionate fan bases. However, based on factors such as season ticket holders and social media following, it seems that AC Milan has a slightly larger and more loyal fan base. That being said, both clubs have a significant international following and a rich history, which will continue to attract fans from all over the world. Whatever your preference, there is no denying that the Derby della Madonnina is a must-see fixture for any football fan.