Ultras are often compared to punks, Hell's Angels hooligans or the South American Barras bravas. But in truth they are thoroughly Italian phenomenon....

Italy's ultras are the most organised and violent fans in European football. Many groups have evolved into criminal gangs, involved in ticket-touting, drug dealing and murder. They're often the foot-soldiers of the Mafia and have been instrumental in the rise of the far right.

But the purest Ultras say they are insurgents fighting against the police state and modern football. They champion not just their teams but they're forgotten Suburbs and the dispossessed.

Through the prism of the ultras, Jones crafts are compelling investigation into Italian Society and its favourite sport. He examines the sinister side of football fandom, with its violence and political extremism, but also admires the passion, wit, solidarity and style of a fascinating and contradictory subculture.