In early February 1976, Italian football and security authorities made a groundbreaking decision to introduce police dogs into stadiums in an effort to control the surging violence in the stands. This move was not just a temporary protocol; it reflected the severity of the crisis that Italian football was experiencing at that time. The Italian League, in coordination with law enforcement agencies, decided to deploy units of trained German Shepherds in and around the pitch and the stands, making them a direct component of the security system on match days.

The use of dogs was not merely for show; it was a necessary response to escalating confrontations between fans, pitch invasions, and the throwing of objects at players and referees. As incidents became more frequent, it became clear that human police presence alone was insufficient to maintain order, which led to a gamble on the psychological and physical deterrence that trained dogs could provide. Their presence along the sidelines, moving alongside security personnel, created an unusual sight in stadiums that were supposed to be safe environments for spectators.

This innovative approach marked a significant shift in how violence in sports was managed in Italy and influenced subsequent security measures in football around the world. It underscored the need for a more robust response to crowd control issues while also sparking discussions about the role of law enforcement and the safety of fans at sporting events.