"Pogorzelski succeeds where many others have failed - in painting a colourful picture of the Rome Derby that acknowledges its layers of complexity rather than falling into the trap of believing it's all about violence or extreme politics. His account of the matchday experience - from both sides - coupled with thorough research of the sporting and historic elements that really fuel the rivalry make for an absorbing and nuanced study of a game that is often misunderstood."

"A superb first chapter, which makes me want to get back to Italy as soon as possible and sample more grounds. I couldn’t put it down!"

"The chapter on Betis versus Sevilla is great! They describe everything perfectly and are the first person to explain about the ultras. Particularly the point at which some took a fascist outlook, but differ from other groups that broke away."

"Kevin Pogorzelski in Divided Cities focuses on eleven single city derbies, with all but two (the Old Firm and Merseyside version) from outside the United Kingdom. As a Liverpool fan, with a regular diet of Premier League football and virtually the same old teams season in, season out, Pogorzelski yearned for something more... For many this book will be the nearest they get to enjoying these encounters, [and] Divided Cities portrays to readers the intensity of the matchday experience and what it is to attend."

Football Book Reviews