On June 2, there was a confrontation in Peschiera del Garda on Lake Garda near Verona between around 500 so-called Maranza, mostly young people from northern Italy with a migrant background, and around 100 right-wing Ultras, including supporters of the Hellas Verona club. The young Maranza had been called on TikTok to "invade" the lakeside promenade and had arrived in groups by train. There they encountered nationalist activists, some of whom chased them away. The police intervened to prevent major riots. The situation ultimately remained calm.
TikTok provocation and police presence on June 11
A few days later, the Maranza TikToker "Don Alì" once again called for a meeting - this time on June 11 in Verona. There, the Maranza were to "confront" the Ultras. The police authorities reacted immediately and carried out targeted checks at the train station and on the approach trains. From the early hours of the morning, every train was checked for possible Maranza passengers.
Police in riot uniforms patrolled the area around the station - especially in Piazzale XXV Aprile - supported by carabinieri, Guardia di Finanza and railroad staff. While no Maranza arrived, around 50 to 80 Ultras from Hellas-Verona-Curva Sud gathered, accompanied by well-known figures such as Vito Comencini and Luca Castellini. They behaved absolutely peacefully, but sent out a self-confident signal for their city and their corner culture.
The announced "battle" between Maranza and the Ultras vanished into thin air - the police would have prevented a possible showdown. The Ultras presented themselves as self-confident and territorial, but strictly adhered to the right to be present without escalation. Despite intensive media and social media coverage, it remained a symbolic demonstration of power. Ideas of violence and criminal acts were not implemented.
The incident illustrates how quickly online provocations can become largely symbolically charged realities - even if the expected clash does not take place. Don Alì faces legal consequences, the police strategy has proven to be far-sighted and the Hellas ultras have sent a clear but peaceful signal for their identity and city.
FAQ - Maranza & Hellas Verona
1. what is the "Curva Sud" of Hellas Verona?
The "Curva Sud" is the southern standing area in the "Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi" in Verona. It is considered the center of Hellas Verona's organized fan scene. It is home to the club's Ultras groups, who are known for their vociferous support, choreographies and their political and ideological orientation, which is sometimes the subject of controversial debate. The curve is closely associated with right-wing symbols and is regularly the focus of police and media attention.
2 What does the term "Maranza" mean?
The term maranza originally comes from the youth language of northern Italian suburbs and is used pejoratively for young people who stand out due to their conspicuous clothing, loud music and aggressive behavior. The term is often associated with a migrant background and is stereotypically used to refer to young men from immigrant families. In social networks, the term has increasingly become a symbol of a subculture, which is sometimes presented ironically and sometimes in a conflict-laden manner - as in the current case of the dispute with Hellas Ultras.
3. what exactly is a talahon?
The term "talahon" - similar to maranza in Italy - refers to a German youth subculture phenomenon. A talahon is often established in German youth language as a stereotypical attribution for young men (often between the ages of 12 and 25) with a migrant background, particularly of Arab origin. Characteristic features are: conspicuous style with branded or imitation items (Gucci caps, EA7 jackets, fanny packs, gold chains, Nike sneakers), provocative behavior in groups, e.g. shadow boxing or loud gestures and frequent presence in public, for example in squares or train stations.
Talahon is derived from the Arabic "ta'al hun" (تعال هون, "come here") and was introduced into the TikTok viral trend by the rap song Ta3al Lahon by the German-Arab rapper Hassan (2022). Since then, the term has developed into a youth word (2nd place in the Youth Word of the Year 2024).
4. what role does Hellas Verona play in Italian soccer?
Hellas Verona is a traditional soccer club from the northern Italian city of Verona, which was founded in 1903. The club played in Serie A for many years and sensationally won the Italian championship in 1985. The club has a loyal fan base that is considered to be particularly passionate and territorial. There are frequent clashes between Hellas supporters and opposing fans around matches, especially at games against teams from the south of Italy or against rival groups such as the tifosi of the Milan clubs or Brescia and Vicenza.
