Milan vs Internazionale
Being a Milan supporter it would be a crime for me not to include this one. Milan and Inter not only share a city but a stadium. The Derby della Madonnina was named after the statue of the Virgin Mary in Milan. These two squads first faced off in 1908 and have played at least once a year ever since.
Roma vs Lazio
Just like Milan and Inter, Roma and Lazio share a city and a stadium. The Der della Capitale is one of the most violent rivalries in the world. The game that concluded this afternoon involved numerous fights and it was reported that 6 people were stabbed. Roma was supported and directed by Benito Mussolini to challenge clubs like Milan and Juventus. Roma has a history with Fascism, whereas Lazio is more democratic and is said to be “for the people”.
Michigan vs Ohio State
We’ll be talking about a different kind of football here. Michigan vs Ohio State is arguably the greatest rivalry in college sports. I have never seen such hatred between two schools. Their main rivalry is in football where these two teams are powerhouses in the Big Ten conference. The rivalry has hit a bump as both teams were going through tough times, but it is always the biggest game on their schedules.
Army vs Navy
The United States military academies are the best in the world. They also produce one of the best college football rivalries in the nation. These teams have met annually since 1930 and Navy currently lead the all time series 59-47-7. Today the game is played at a neutral site, usually in Philadelphia at Lincoln Financial Field. The stadium is packed and all cadets from both schools are in attendance.
Yankees vs Red Sox
The biggest rivalry in baseball. The trade that sent Babe Ruth from the Sox to the Yanks is what started this great rivalry. A World Series drought ensued for the Sox; 86 years without winning a title. Yankee stadium is one of the toughest places to play in baseball. Yankee fans are as tough as they come, trust me, I know, I’m one of them. Red Sox fans aren’t welcome in Yankee Stadium and Yankees fans aren’t welcome to Fenway Park. These two teams are rich in history and great players. The critics say that this rivalry has lost its edge over the last few years but that is a lie. Ask any Yankee fan what the most important game of the season is and they’ll say any game against the Red Sox.
Giants vs Dodgers
These teams might be rivals now but the rivalry was much more intense when these teams were still in New York. The Giants and Dodgers were constantly contenders for the National League Pennant over the 40’s and 50’s. Jackie Robinson hated the Giants so much that when he was traded from the Dodgers to the Giants he retired from baseball. Talk about loyalty.
Celtic FC vs Rangers
Wrapping up the list of rivalries is one that I feel is the biggest and most controversial in the world. It goes by the name The Old Firm referring to Celtic and Rangers of the Scottish premier league. Rangers are currently in the Scottish 3rd division after declaring bankruptcy, but that’s a story for another day. Rangers were founded and are supported by Protestants in Scotland. Whereas, Celtic represent the Irish Catholic population in Scotland. In 1980 an invasion of the field resulted in multiple deaths, hundreds injured, and the banning of alcohol at Scottish soccer games. Ever since this game, away fans cannot go to games unless they are personally escorted by police to the stadium. The battle in Glasgow, goes far beyond favorite teams, it is a personal hatred fueled by religion and beliefs. This has been deemed the most dangerous rivalry in the world.
This is just scratching the surface on sports rivalries. Meetings between rivals are always the biggest games of the season and never seem to disappoint. The intensity when rivals meet is unlike other games. Without rivalries sports wouldn’t be what they are today.
An even greater thrill in sports are not only team rivalries but athlete rivalries! Talk about the intensity and dramatic appeal
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