On 31 October 1926, Mussolini inaugurated the Littoriale, the most impressive multi-sports complex of the time. On 29 May 1927, the first football match between Italy and Spain (2-0) was played, and the following Sunday, Bologna FC made its debut, beating Genoa 1-0.
The project was designed by Umberto Costanzini, chief engineer of the Technical Office of the Casa del Fascio, but the idea came from Leandro Arpinati, deputy secretary general of the PNF (National Fascist Party) and podestà of Bologna, as well as president of the Italian Football Federation. Arpinati understood the importance of sport in gaining new political support and wanted to demonstrate the great organisational and constructional capabilities of Bolognese fascism.
The project included a 50,000-seat stadium, two swimming pools, tennis courts and the headquarters for the Higher Institute of Physical Education (the latter, never built). The project was completed in October 1929, when the Maratona tower, designed by Giulio Ulisse Arata, was inaugurated. With its 42 metres in height, it contributed to the effect of "Roman grandeur", grafting itself onto a building that already resembled the Colosseum. A winged Victory with a fasces was installed on the flagpole, and the large niche housed an imposing statue of Mussolini on horseback.
In 1983, the stadium was named after Renato Dall'Ara, and its current appearance is the result of adaptations made for the 1990 World Cup.
CAPTIONS
1 - Aerial view of the stadium during construction
2 - Costanzini and Arpinati visiting the Littoriale during construction (first and second from the left, respectively).
3 - The inaugural match between Italy and Spain
4 - Stadium grandstand