To mark the 40th anniversary of Hellas Verona’s unforgettable 1984–85 Scudetto win, writer and historian Richard Hough has released Verona Campione, the definitive account of one of football’s most remarkable underdog triumphs. Drawing on exclusive interviews with players, journalists, and fans, the book is a love letter to the club, the city, and a magical moment in sporting history.
We caught up with Richard to talk about what inspired the book, how living in Verona shaped his perspective, and what he uncovered during his deep dive into one of Italian football’s greatest stories.
What inspired you to write Verona Campione, and how did living in Verona influence your approach to telling this underdog story?
“It’s impossible to live in a place like Verona and not be inspired. I’ve been here for 14 years and it still takes my breath away every day. The city is full of hidden corners and layers of history. Just the other day, I noticed a fading plaque I’d never seen before – turns out it marked the home of Marcantonio Bentegodi, after whom the Hellas stadium is named. That kind of everyday discovery speaks volumes about the richness of Verona’s story.
“Then, of course, there’s the football team. Supporting Hellas Verona isn’t like supporting Juventus, Manchester City or Barcelona. It’s a rollercoaster ride – suffering is part of the experience. Every season seems to go down to the wire.
“But always looming in the background is the mythical season when Verona were the best team in Italy. With the 40th anniversary approaching, it just felt like the right moment to tell that amazing story. I wanted to speak to the players involved but also to hear from the fans and place the season in a broader historical context. The mid-1980s were such a vivid period – not just for Italian football but for Italian life more generally – and I tried to capture that in the book.”
During your research, what was the most surprising or emotional story you uncovered from the 1984–85 championship season?
“The biggest surprise was realising that the so-called “Miracle of ’85” wasn’t really a miracle at all – it was the result of a carefully constructed project that began in 1981 with the inspired appointment of coach Osvaldo Bagnoli.
“Bagnoli wasn’t just a great coach, he was a father figure to the players. Though originally from Milan, he had a strong connection to Verona, having played here in the late 1950s. He scored 27 goals in 97 appearances and has lived in the city ever since. Today, he suffers from dementia and is rarely seen in public, but his legacy endures.
“One story that really struck me came from Pierino Fanna. Years after the title win, the players were invited to take part in a charity match. It was pouring with rain, the conditions were dreadful, and no one wanted to play. But Bagnoli – by then well into his later years – insisted on joining them on the pitch. He ran out with the enthusiasm of a child. He always wanted to be remembered as a player, not just as a coach.
There were plenty of other revelations too. I’d forgotten that Serie A awarded just two points for a win back then. The size of the squad was also shocking as only 16 players were used all season! That’s fewer than Hellas fielded on a Monday night against Cagliari recently. I also hadn’t fully appreciated the fact that Hellas led the league from start to finish. It was an incredible, sustained achievement.
You’ve written extensively about both football and history – how does Hellas Verona’s triumph fit into the broader cultural narrative of the city?
“Football is a powerful lens through which to explore wider societal issues, and in Verona Campione, I tried to put the events of that season into context while still keeping the drama on the pitch front and centre.
“The mid-1980s were such a dynamic period. I grew up in that era and have vivid memories of it, so I tried to weave in some of that colour. As a historian, I particularly enjoyed digging through the Italian newspaper archives – they were a goldmine of detail and insight.
“In Verona, the 1985 Scudetto win is a key part of the city’s cultural fabric. Obviously, it’s not quite on the level of Romeo and Juliet, but it’s still a cherished piece of the city’s patrimony. Every game, every goal, every player is remembered with love and pride. My aim was to share that story with a broader audience, because it really is a classic: a fantastic cast of characters, a gripping plot, and a happy ending – though not without its share of tragedy, too.
“Verona itself may be often overlooked in favour of Rome, Venice or Florence, but it’s a stunning, enchanting place. The miracle of 1985 is a bit like the city – once you discover it, you fall in love. Unless you’re a Napoli fan, of course!”
In your earlier book Notes from Verona, you explored different aspects of Italian life. How do the themes of community and identity in that book connect with Verona Campione?
“Notes from Verona was a collection of stories from across Italy, covering everything from food and festivals to frustrations with bureaucracy. It was a decade-long journey of learning the language and adjusting to a new life.
“Throughout all that, football gave me a sense of community and belonging. I got involved in coaching my son’s team, played five-a-side regularly, and found a “home from home” where I could watch matches with the locals. Taking my kids to the stadium has created memories I’ll treasure forever – even the tough times.
“As Tim Parks once told me, “Football is there for you when you need it.” That’s been true for me in Verona. Football has given me friendships, a shared sense of purpose, and a deeper connection to my adopted city. Writing Verona Campione was, in many ways, a tribute to that experience.”
Finally, Richard, as someone who’s written about both wartime history and sporting glory, what has living in Italy taught you about how Italians remember and celebrate their past?
“That’s a fascinating question. When I first moved to Verona, I became absorbed in the city’s wartime history. It’s a city that lived through extreme political tension, the rise of fascism, Nazi occupation, partisan resistance, and eventual liberation. The past still feels very present here – on every street corner, you’ll find memorials and reminders.
“What’s striking is how divisive the memory of that era still is. Even now, on April 25th – Italy’s Liberation Day – there are tensions. Some Italians still feel that the war ended the wrong way. That sense of national unity you see in the UK around wartime remembrance just isn’t the same in Italy.
“By contrast, the celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the 1985 Scudetto have been full of joy. The players were honoured at the Italian Parliament, featured prominently in the local press, and received a rapturous reception at the Bentegodi during the final home game of the season. Seeing those heroes take a lap of honour, with tears in their eyes, was incredibly moving.
“It reminded me that while historical memory in Italy can be complex and contested, football memories – especially ones like this – have the power to bring people together in celebration.”
Verona Campione is available now from Pitch Publishing and all good bookshops.
Callum McFadden 