JUVENTUS

Nicknames: Juve, The Old Lady of Turin.

Welsh connection: Ian Rush signed for the Italian side in 1986 for a British record transfer fee of £3.2m but continued to play at Liverpool for one season on loan. He scored eight goals in 29 appearances in what is generally regarded as a forgettable season for the Welshman.

Rush was famously quoted saying that he could not settle in Turin as it was “like living in a foreign country” but he has since denied ever uttering the words.

There is another Welsh striker, though, who is truly revered in Turin.

It was Juventus fans who nicknamed John Charles ‘Il Buon Gigante’ (The Gentle Giant).

He was prolific for the club and in their first game following his death in 2004 the fans applauded his name while many of the club’s directors were seen wiping their eyes in the stands.

Fans: Italian fans are famously passionate and each club has their “ultras” – organised fan groups.

The first ultra groups were formed in the late 1960s and over the years these gangs have sometimes been associated with extreme political views, violence, and even business deals. They have been compared to English hooligans but are generally run with more military-like precision. Having said that, many ultras are simply fanatical about their teams and demonstrate this with songs, banners and drums.

Because Juventus draw their support from all over the country their ultras are more eclectic than those of most other teams.

Famous supporters: Tennis players Roger Federer and Juan Martin Del Potro, film director Spike Lee, and Italian figure skater Carolina Kostner.

Famous supporters: Singer (and Gerard Pique’s partner) Shakira, Justin Bieber, basketball players Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson, and Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor.