Last but not least: round balls, round bellies

Ultras are a curse and a blessing. A blessing because they fill the stands and create a good atmosphere and emotions. The curse is that the good mood can also turn into violence and riots. In Italy, ultra groups with large numbers of members have always been firmly rooted in football culture and have power and influence over the clubs. For years, politicians have been fighting to keep the Ultras out of the stadiums with laws and increased repression. It works, but it has one drawback: empty stands.

Dacia, Udinese's sponsor for eight years, is taking the problem in hand. Especially since the stadium has been called Dacia Arena since January 2016. The "Dacia Family Project" gave expectant parents the chance to enter a draw for season tickets by taking a pregnancy test. Six months later, the winning couples (and two babies born in the meantime) were celebrated in their own sector at the Udinese-Napoli match. Instead of run-in kids, there were 20 run-in pregnant women, and all the tubby (female) bellies were presented with a charming jersey. This campaign has - not only in the truest sense of the word - hand and foot. (hae)