Genoa CFC

Genoa Cricket and Football Club began as a cricket club before pivoting to football, creating the very first Italian national championship in 1898. This founding moment established the team as the oldest surviving professional club in Italy, a title they guard with pride while collecting nine Scudetti titles over their long history. Their trophy cabinet also includes one Coppa Italia win from 2006, placing them among the most decorated sides in the nation alongside Juventus and Inter Milan.

The squad calls the Stadio Luigi Ferraris home, a venue nestled in the Foce district that doubles as the ground for fierce local rivals UC Sampdoria. Sharing this pitch since 1911 has fueled the Derby della Lanterna, a match known for its raw intensity and deep historical roots dating back to 1946. The club's identity remains tied to the city's maritime past, reflected in their nickname I Grifoni or The Griffins, which resonates deeply with fans who view the team as a guardian of Ligurian heritage. [edit]

Starting life as a cricket club in 1893, Genoa transitioned to football just five years later when it organized the inaugural Italian championship. The club won that first title in 1898 and went on to secure eight more championships throughout the early decades of the sport, dominating the landscape before other clubs caught up. Despite periods of fluctuation between the top flight and Serie B over the last century, the team has maintained its status as a major entity in Italian football.

Recent seasons have seen the squad feature a mix of youth and experience, with an average age hovering around 24.4 years. Management has cycled through several high-profile figures including Ivan Jurić, Thiago Motta, and Patrick Vieira, each leaving their mark on the tactical approach. The club continues to attract talent, evidenced by recent moves like the loan acquisition of Canada U20 midfielder Dylan Judelson from Orlando City B in August 2026. [edit]