Genoa CFC
Italian football team.
Genoa Cricket and Football Club, commonly referred to as Genoa, is a professional football club based in Genoa, Liguria, Italy. Founded in 1893, it is the oldest active Italian football club and currently competes in Serie B, the second tier of Italian football. Genoa's colors are red and blue, earning them the nickname "I Rossoblu" (The Red and Blues). They play their home games at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, which has a capacity of 36,599 and is shared with their city rivals, Sampdoria.
As Italy's oldest football club, Genoa holds a special place in the country's footballing history. The club was founded by Englishman James Richardson Spensley, initially as a cricket and athletics club. Football was introduced shortly after, and Genoa quickly became one of the dominant forces in the early years of Italian football.
Genoa's early success was remarkable. They won their first Italian Football Championship in 1898 and went on to claim eight more titles in the pre-Serie A era, with their last coming in 1924. This makes them the fourth most successful club in terms of Italian championships won, behind only Juventus, Milan, and Inter.
Despite their early dominance, Genoa's fortunes waned as professional football took hold in Italy. The club has not won a league title since the formation of Serie A in 1929, although they have remained a significant presence in Italian football. Genoa has won the Coppa Italia once, in 1937, and has competed in European competitions on several occasions.
The club has experienced its share of ups and downs in recent decades. Genoa has alternated between Serie A and Serie B several times, facing financial difficulties and even a match-fixing scandal in 2005 that saw them administratively relegated to Serie C1. However, they bounced back quickly, returning to Serie A in 2007.
Genoa's most recent period in Serie A lasted from 2007 to 2022, with their highest finish during this time being 5th place in the 2008-09 season. This performance qualified them for the UEFA Europa League, marking their return to European competition after a 18-year absence.
The club's main rivalry is with Sampdoria, their city neighbors. The Derby della Lanterna, named after the famous lighthouse in Genoa's port, is one of the most passionate and colorful derbies in Italian football. The two clubs have shared the Stadio Luigi Ferraris since 1946, adding extra spice to their rivalry.
Genoa is also known for its passionate fanbase. The Gradinata Nord, the northern stand of the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, is home to the club's most ardent supporters and is known for its impressive displays and atmosphere.
In recent years, Genoa has faced challenges both on and off the pitch. The club was relegated to Serie B at the end of the 2021-22 season, ending their 15-year stay in the top flight. However, under the ownership of 777 Partners, who acquired the club in 2021, Genoa is working to build a sustainable model for success.