Tuesday, 12 May 2020

Genoa CFC (Italy)



Genoa Cricket and Football Club; more commonly known as Genoa CFC is a professional football club from the Mediterranean port city of the same name that was formed on September 7th 1893; making them Italy’s oldest active football club.

The club was formed as Genoa Cricket & Athletic Club, a British sporting club overseas, with athletics and cricket initially more important than the football section. Activities took place at Piazza d'Armi in the Campasso area of the city.


James Richardson Spensley pushed the football section forward, with it becoming prominent from April 10th 1897. Italians were permitted to become members, with a new ground being created at Ponte Carrega.

Friendly matches were played against teams from Turin and Alessandria as well as against sailors from ships such as HMS Revenge before the Italian Football Federation; Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio, FIGC organised their first ever national tournament in 1898.

Genoa joined three Turin based sides to compete in Campionato Italiano di Football. The tournament was held on one day in Turin at Velodromo Umberto I with Genoa becoming the first national champions after defeating Internazionale FC Torino 3-1 after extra time.


The club name was amended to Genoa Cricket & Football Club before the club retained the national title with another 3-1 victory against Internazionale Torino. The competition had grown by 1900 as Genoa made it three in a row following a 3-1 extra time win over FBC Torinese.

The following year the team began to wear their famous red and navy halved shirts for the first time as they were defeated by another English formed club; Milan Cricket and Football Club, later to become AC Milan, in the final of the championship.

‘I Rossoblu’ exacted revenge on Milan in 1902 with a 2-0 Campionato Italiano di Football before they became Italian champions for a fifth time in 1903 after defeating Juventus 3-0. The national championship was renamed Prima Categoria as another victory against Juventus retained the title.


In 1905 the team ended as runners-up to Juventus before the club fell out with the FIGC over their ruling against foreign players being permitted to play. Genoa had always had a strong English contingent since their formation.

The team was rebuilt featuring players such as the legendary Luigi Ferraris along with some Swiss signings after the ban was reversed. The club moved into a new stadium in the Marassi district on the banks of the Bisagno River.

Genoa became 1914–15 Prima Categoria champions to collect their seventh league title under charismatic English manager William Garbutt after he’d moved to the city to work on the docks after retiring from playing.


World War One was particularly harsh on Genoa CFC, with players Luigi Ferraris, Adolfo Gnecco, Carlo Marassi, Alberto Sussone and Claudio Casanova all being killed in Italy in military action; while founder James Richardson Spensley was killed in Germany.

The national championship was retitled as Prima Divisione by 1922-23 as Genoa again came out on top as they defeated SS Lazio 6-1 on aggregate. The title was retained the following season with a win over SS Savoia.

Star players of the time included Giovanni De Prà, Ottavio Barbieri, Luigi Burlando and Renzo De Vecchi and Aristodemo Santamaria who ended as the team top scorer in the second of the title wins.


A runners-up spot followed in 1927-28 with striker Felice Levratto firing in the goals, before the fascist dictatorship forced the club to change their name to Genova 1893 Circolo del Calcio in 1928.

The team was relegated to Serie B in 1933-34 but recovered to return to the top flight the following season under the management of Vittorio Faroppa. Genoa lifted the Coppa Italia in 1936-37 as a Mario Torti goal was enough to see off AS Roma in the final at Stadio Comunale Giovanni Berta in Florence with Hermann Felsner in charge of the team.

Sergio Bertoni, Mario Genta and Mario Perazzolo all played their parts in Italy’s 1938 World Cup win, while the club chose to revert their name to Genoa Cricket and Football Club in 1945 at the end of World War Two.


Garbutt began a fourth spell in charge of the team with Genoa being joined at Stadio Luigi Ferraris by local rivals Sampdoria who’d been formed after a merger between Sampierdarenese and Andrea Doria.

The rest of the 1940’s saw Genoa finish in mid table positions before they were relegated in 1950-51 despite the goals of Bror Mellberg under the management of Manlio Bacigalupo after the big money signing of Mario Boyé failed to pay off.

The Serie B title was secured in 1952-53 under coach Giacinto Ellena. Ragnar Nikolay Larsen offered joy with his performance to Marassi fans while Attilio Frizzi and Paolo Barison chipped in with goals before the side were relegated in 1959-60 as the club went through four different coaches in one season.


Promotion was achieved as Serie B champions in 1961-62 under Renato Gei. The early 60’s saw a couple of triumphs in the continental Coppa delle Alpi but the domestic scene proved far tougher as another relegation from Serie A came in 1964-65.

Coaches came and went along with changes of ownership before Genoa were relegated to Serie C in 1969-70. The Girone B title win at the first attempt under coach Arturo Silvestri saw a return to Serie B.

Silvestri’s team continued to improve and clinched the Serie B in 1972-73 to return to the top tier of Italian football. However, ‘Il Grifone’ went back down twelve months later. Gigi Simoni was at the helm in 1975-76 as Genoa collected another Serie B title to win promotion.


Players such as Roberto Rosato, Oscar Damiani, Bruno Conti and Roberto Pruzzo were the stars of the show before the side went back down in 1977-78 with Pruzzo being sold to Roma. In 1980-81 a runners-up spot behind AC Milan secured promotion for the team led by a returning Simoni.

Massimo Briaschi led the goals chart for a couple of seasons before relegation in 1983-84 led to Simoni being replaced by Tarcisio Burgnich before the club was purchased by Calabrese entrepreneur Aldo Spinelli in 1985.

Things looked up when ‘I Rossoblù’ won promotion as Serie B champions in 1988-89 with Franco Scoglio in charge of the team. Under head coach Osvaldo Bagnoli the talents of Carlos Aguilera and Tomáš Skuhravý among others took Rossoblu to a fourth place Serie A finish in 1990-91.


It was a great era for football in the city at the rebuilt Stadio Luigi Ferraris, which had staged Italia 90 World Cup games, as Sampdoria were crowned as Serie A champions. They would reach the European Cup final the following season.

Meanwhile, Genoa went on a European run of their own in the UEFA Cup; reaching the 1991-92 semi-final stage before going out to Ajax. Unfortunately, the club then had another slump. It is said that Chairman, Spinelli was different to a lot of owners in Italy.

Most of them saw their football club as a public relations exercise and would bankroll them from their own company. Spinelli had exactly the opposite approach, making him an unpopular man to say the least.


Six different coaching appointments had been made after the departure of Bagnoli in 1992 before Genoa were relegated in 1994-95 despite the continued goals of Skuhravý. Vincenzo Montella became the fans favourite back in the second level. Spinelli sold up in 1997 before becoming the owner of Alessandria and then Livorno.

The number 6 shirt of Gianluca Signorini, the star libero and skipper of the successful side of the early 90’s was retired in 2002 following his death at the age of 42 from Lou Gehrig's disease, an illness that slowly forced immobility, paralyzing all his muscles.

A businessman from Irpinia; Enrico Preziosi took over the club in 2003 after a spell of four short lived Chairmen and a period of short-term coaching appointments in the quest of a return to Serie A.


This eventually came in 2004-05 as Genoa won Serie B under head coach Serse Cosmi. However, the joy to be short lived as scandal rocked the club. They were relegated to Serie C by FIGC (the Italian FA) after it was proven that the club had fixed a match on the last day of the season between themselves and Venezia.

Giovanni Vavassori was in charge as Genoa ended as Serie C/1A runners-up before they won the promotion play-off against AC Monza. The goals of Adaílton sealed another promotion along with Juventus and Napoli in 2006-07 with Gian Piero Gasperini installed as head coach.

In 2007 a group of supporters formed a new cricket section in tribute to the club heritage. The newly formed club was named Genoa Cricket Club 1893 and became members of Serie A of the Italian Cricket League.


Owner Preziosi sold star striker Marco Borriello for a hefty fee but strengthened the side with the proceeds. The 2008-09 season saw the team finish in fifth place with Diego Milito banging in the goals. The double was completed over Sampdoria. One of the victories can be viewed here.

Milito and Thiago Motta were sold but Hernán Crespo was brought in. Gasperini was replaced by Davide Ballardini in the early stages of the 2010-11 season. He lasted until the summer before the club used three different coaches in 2011-12.


The quick turnover continued before the return of Gasperini in 2013 who was aided by the goals of Marco Borriello and Alberto Gilardino before the side finished fifth in 2014-15 as Iago Falque provided the fire power assisted by Andrea Bertolacci.

Leonardo Pavoletti was top scorer in 2015-16 before the arrival of Ivan Jurić as coach with Nicolás Burdisso captaining the team. Five different coaching appointments took place over the following two years including two further spells from Jurić and a slightly expended stay of Cesare Prandelli.


Genoa narrowly avoided relegation in 2018-19. The following season saw Aurelio Andreazzoli start the season as coach before he was replaced within four months by Thiago Motta. His reign was even shorter before former Genoa defender Davide Nicola became head coach in December 2019.

Genoa CFC will play in Serie A in the 2019-20 season.


My visits

Republic of Ireland 0 Romania 0 after extra time; Ireland won 5-4 on penalties (Monday 25th June 1990) World Cup Second Round (att: 31,818)

To read about my first visit to Stadio Luigi Ferraris and see photos, click here for the UC Sampdoria page.

Genoa CFC 1 Cagliari 0 (Sunday 9th February 2020) Serie A (att: 21,301)


I’d revisited some of the cities that had given me a lifetime of memories back in 1990 and wanted to head back to Genoa for a domestic game; whether it be to see I Rossoblù or La Samp in action.

Other friends had visited the city and given decent feedback. My long February weekend off work offered me the opportunity along with matches the previous day in Marseilles and then a rather random fixture in Lens on the way home.

Although Genoa was along the same coast as Marseilles, it wasn’t easy or cheap to connect the two directly by public transport. Instead, I left the French Riviera after the Olympique game at 11pm on a Flixbus coach to Milan.


Arriving close to 8am, I had three hours to kill; which was spent with sightseeing and popping by the San Siro, which was preparing for that evening’s derby between Inter and Milan. I boarded another Flixbus service for the journey south.

I’d nodded off a few times on the two hours journey to the coast; waking to see some dramatic steep sided scenery and roads that wouldn’t have been out of place in the Italian Job movie.

Approaching the city, we passed where a new bridge was being built to replace Ponte Morandi which had collapsed in 2018, with 43 people plunging to their deaths into the valley below. Several on board our coach quickly caught on to what we saw and gasped audibly.


I jumped out outside the main Principe railway station and was checking in at the nearby Hotel Chopin on Via Andrea Doria within a few minutes, where the friendly lady on reception gave me a free upgrade to a larger room.

It was fantastic to take my trainers off after 30 hours continuous wear and have a shower and change of clothes. I felt brand new as I headed out for the 3pm kick off with just over an hour to get to the stadium.

I wasn’t entirely sure how I was going to get there as I set off, walking down to the waterfront and taking photos as I went. My initial impressions were good, but my eye was also on the time. I saw two youths running up towards town in Genoa scarves which alerted me further.

Following them I eventually found myself in Piazza De Ferrari; the main city square. I spotted an old girl in club colours by a bus stop across the far side. Google Maps confirmed I could catch a bus from there towards the stadium.

My timing was perfect as the number 37 bus approached. I felt bad but I didn’t have time to purchase a ticket and wasn’t sure how the system worked, so I followed another punter onboard halfway up the bus.

It’s always comforting in a strange city when other football fans start boarding as you know you’re heading the right way. We had our way through relatively easy traffic past Brignole Station and up the hill of Corso Sardegna and then Corso Alessandro de Stefanis.


My ticket had been bought and printed online for €20 and was on the east side of the stadium in the Distinti stand. Access was down three separate alleys off the street; a little like getting into Loftus Road at Queen’s Park Rangers.

I was a bit confused trying to find my ‘ingris’ but was pointed in the right direction by a local. Despite the gathering crowds I was inside in no time. Fans were handing out small banners with the word ‘Vattene’ on them.

I’d roughly worked out that my seat was in the middle of the three tiers, but I couldn’t find out exactly where. It wasn’t a problem as I waited with plenty of other standing fans until the teams had come out and then lined up before picking a vacant position.


Thousands of Vattene signs were shown towards the pitch from all around the stadium along with the word being repeated at volume. Translated it meant “Get Out” and was directed towards President Enrico Preziosi.

Stadio Luigi Ferraris was as magnificent as I remembered. The main side was now predominantly for corporate fans and the media, with blocks at either end for home and away fans, depending whether Samp or Genoa were in residence.

The more vocal home fans were in Gradinata Nord to my right and just below. A fair gathering also occupied Gradinata Sud at the other end. The Cagliari fans were upstairs at the far end opposite in Tribune Sett 6.


Genoa came into the game in the relegation spots, while the visitors from Sardinia challenging for a Europa League place, despite poor recent form. It was obvious from an early stage that the hosts players were somewhat lacking in confidence.

They were not lacking backing from their magnificent fans behind the goal who were giving it their all in their first game back after the winter break. João Pedro saw an early low curling shot for the visitors from the edge of the box well saved by home goalie Mattia Perin.

Genoa forward Paolo Ghiglione latched onto a terrible defensive error as a weak back pass fell short of keeper Alessio Cragno who did well to thwart the effort towards goal. Within the first forty minutes Cagliari had to make two substitutions through injury; with Genoa one, even though it wasn’t a dirty game.


Genoa’s replacement, Goran Pandev opened the scoring a couple of minutes before the interval when his bending low ball into the box evaded all the players in the area and went in at the back post past a flatfooted keeper.

At the break I had a look around and took photos from different positions. The queues were too long on the tight concourses for any refreshments. It really was similar to Loftus Road; though one would assume the prices friendlier and beer was allowed to be drunk in the seats.

A fella a couple of rows in front of me had been one of the stars in the first half. He really gave it everything, joining in with all the songs and chants while offering severe feedback to the officials and home players on their decision making.


A fine move just after the restart almost doubled the lead with a one two saw Ivan Radovanovic return a pass to Antonio Sanabria who steered the ball wide while stretching. Genoa had come back out in much more positive mood.

Andrea Pinamonti worked hard to chase a ball down the line before slipping inside to Panev who in turn set up Sanabria whose fierce shot was touched over by Cragno. Determined work from Peter Ankersen then set up Pinamonti who saw his shot saved.

Despite Genoa continuing to have most of the play and getting efforts away on goal. Calgliari were by no means out of the contest. With fifteen minutes remaining a fine one two on the wing saw full back Federico Mattiello deliver a cross to the head of João Pedro who put his effort wide from a good position.


Pandev came close to a brace when his half volley was tipped over when set up by Stefano Sturaro. The tension was intense as the home fans screamed for referee Giampaolo Calvarese to blow his whistle for full time.

There would be a moment of incredible drama still to come deep in the five minutes of additional time. The ball fell to Radja Nainggolan about twenty-five yards out. Bacary Soumaoro got a part block on the shot, which carried on and dipped down to hit the bar. The ball bounced down in front of João Pedro who headed over with Perin stranded.

By now I was a converted home fan; purely because I loved their attitude. I mean how could I not like a club who had cricket in their title. I cheered along with everyone else when the fulltime whistle was blown.


Click here to see my clip after the goal and the home fans celebrating after the match.

My easiest route out was behind the goal along Boero Gianfranco. The gates were open into the stand, so I went in to take some more photos and get a feel of the emotion. Plenty of seats were broken or removed through wear as most fans stood on them throughout matches.

I followed the celebrating fans down the narrow Via Canevari, with many now on scooters continually blowing their hooters with pillions flying club flags. This was a set of supporters who really cared, and I loved it.


It was tempting to dive into a bar or eating establishment, but I had plans for the evening. Instead I continued down to Brignole before taking a train across the city back to Principe where I went back to my room for a siesta and then enjoying a fantastic Sunday evening.

A fine calzone with red wine at E Prie de Mä round from the hotel was followed by a good walk which eventually took me back to Piazza De Ferrari. I wouldn’t have minded watching the Milan derby, but my choice for the second half, the Britannia Pub closed on Sunday’s.

A pal from Graeme Luck had advised me of a fine beer bar on his visit to the city. I was in two minds but there didn’t seem too many options; especially if I wanted to watch the football. I’m so glad that I gave Kamun Lab a go.


It wasn’t easy to locate down the traffic free alleys, even when I found Via di San Bernardo. As soon as I walked in, I felt at home as host Riccardo introduced himself and the board behind the bar advertised sixteen beers; most of them brewed locally by the bar owners and had won numerous awards.

Riccardo was a Sampdoria fan. We kept ourselves updated with what must have been a cracking game at the San Siro. I had a wonderfully relaxed evening with an occasional chat  while trying six of the excellent beers before calling it a night.

Some younger English and South African punters had been a bit greedy going for the stronger beers and were now suffering and making idiots out themselves. I was reminded of the saying that youth was wasted on the young!


I enjoyed my walk back via the waterfront before having a very sound sleep before my 8.30 train the next morning up to Turin ahead of heading to northern France to complete a fantastic sojourn over the Channel. Genoa had played a magnificent part in it.










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