Venezia FC
Italian football team.
Venezia Football Club, commonly known as Venezia, is a professional football club based in Venice, Italy. The club was founded in 1907 and currently competes in Serie B, the second tier of Italian football. Venezia's colors are orange, black, and green, a unique combination that sets them apart in Italian football. Their nickname, "I Leoni Alati" (The Winged Lions), is derived from the symbol of Venice, the Lion of Saint Mark.
Venezia plays its home matches at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo, which is notable for being the second-oldest stadium in Italy and the only one in the country accessible by boat. The stadium, located on the island of Sant'Elena, has a capacity of 11,150 and offers a unique matchday experience with its picturesque Venetian backdrop.
The club's history has been marked by periods of success interspersed with financial difficulties and relegations. Venezia's golden era came in the 1940s and early 1950s when they spent several consecutive seasons in Serie A. Their highest-ever finish in the top flight was third place in the 1941-42 season.
Venezia has won the Coppa Italia once, in 1941, defeating Roma in the final. This remains their most significant trophy to date. The club has also achieved success in lower divisions, winning the Serie B title in 1961 and 1966, and the Serie C title in 2017.
In recent years, Venezia has experienced a remarkable resurgence. After facing bankruptcy and being refounded in 2015, the club climbed from Serie D to Serie A in just six years. This journey culminated in their promotion to Serie A for the 2021-22 season, marking their return to the top flight after a 19-year absence.
Under the ownership of American businessman Duncan Niederauer since 2020, Venezia has garnered attention not just for their on-field performances but also for their stylish and innovative approach off the pitch. The club has gained a global following thanks to their distinctive kits, which blend traditional Venetian aesthetics with modern design.
The club's main rivalry is with Calcio Padova, with their matches known as the Derby del Veneto. These encounters are intense affairs that reflect the historical rivalry between the cities of Venice and Padua.