Founded in 1893, Genoa Cricket and Football Club holds the proud title of Italy’s oldest football club.
With nine Italian championships (Scudetti) — all won before 1924 — Genoa is a historic pillar of Italian football.
The club represents grit, maritime pride, and working-class identity in the city of Genoa, fiercely supported by loyal fans who carry the torch of tradition through thick and thin.
Club Legends
- Giovanni De Prà – Iconic 1920s goalkeeper, also represented Italy at the Olympics.
- Gennaro Ruotolo – Symbol of loyalty and leadership, spent most of his career at Genoa.
- Tomas Skuhravy – Czech forward adored for his goals and passion in the early ’90s.
- Diego Milito – Before glory with Inter, he was a fan favourite at Genoa for his prolific scoring.
- Domenico Criscito – Ex-captain and versatile defender with deep ties to the club and fans. He had three spells at the club and retired after scoring the winning goal from a penalty kick in the 94th minute which secured Genoa’s promotion back to Serie A.
Best Coaches
- William Garbutt – The Englishman who introduced modern coaching to Italy in the 1920s.
- Osvaldo Bagnoli – Respected tactician who led Genoa to a UEFA Cup semi-final in 1992.
- Gian Piero Gasperini – Developed a stylish, attacking side in the late 2000s.
Achievements
- 9× Italian Champions (1898, 1899, 1900, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1915, 1923, 1924)
- Coppa Italia semi-finalists multiple times
- 1991–92 UEFA Cup semi-finalists – First Italian club to win at Anfield (vs Liverpool)
While modern silverware has eluded Genoa, their historical prestige and resilience continue to make them a proud club.
Rivalries & Friendships
Main Rivalry:
- Sampdoria – The fierce Derby della Lanterna, one of Italy’s most colourful and bitter derbies. It splits the city in two — Genoa vs Sampdoria — red and blue vs blue and white.
Friendships:
- Napoli – A long-standing and emotional twinning based on mutual respect and southern solidarity.
- Torino – Another traditional friendship, partly due to shared histories of hardship and loyal support.
Ultra Groups
- Gradinata Nord is the beating heart of Genoa’s support.
- Main groups include:
- Figgi do Zena – Among the oldest active ultras in Italy.
- Guerrieri della Nord
- Old Block 1973
These fans are known for creative choreography, unwavering loyalty, and fiery passion — even when they were in Serie B.
Ticket Information
- Official Website: genoacfc.it
- Match tickets are available online or at official club stores around Genoa.
- Prices range from €20–€50 depending on the match and location.
- Derby tickets (vs Sampdoria) are in extremely high demand and often require a membership.
Their home
The Stadio Luigi Ferraris, affectionately known as “Il Tempio” (The Temple), is one of Italy’s most historic and atmospheric football grounds.
Located in the Marassi district of Genoa, it has been the home of Genoa C.F.C. since 1911 and is shared with city rivals Sampdoria.
With a capacity of around 33,000, the stadium is famous for its steep, close-to-the-pitch stands that amplify crowd noise, creating an electric matchday atmosphere — especially during the fiery Derby della Lanterna.
Deeply embedded in the city’s identity, the Ferraris is more than just a stadium: it’s a sacred place for Genoa supporters and a symbol of the club’s proud traditions.
How to get to the stadium
Stadio Luigi Ferraris
- Location: Marassi district, shared with Sampdoria.
- Capacity: 33,000
- Atmosphere: Intimate and intense — one of Italy’s loudest when full.
Transport:
- Bus: Lines 13, 14, and 37 run toward the stadium.
- Train: Genoa Brignole is the closest station (~20-minute walk).
- Walking: From the city centre, it’s about a 30-minute scenic walk.
Where to eat & drink before the game
- Trattoria da Mario – A local favourite near Marassi serving Genovese dishes like pansoti and trofie al pesto.
- Stadio Bar – Popular meeting point for fans, right next to the stadium.
- Bar Vivace – Casual drinks and pre-match snacks with a red-blue vibe.
- Old Port (Porto Antico) – For scenic pre-game dining or post-match relaxation by the water.
What it means to support Genoa
Being a Genoa fan is a badge of honour. It means living with heartbreak and pride in equal measure.
Supporting the Grifone isn’t about trophies — it’s about tradition, city pride, and identity. Generations of families pass down the red-and-blue legacy. Through Serie A and B, rain and sun, Genoa fans stand by their club, always shouting “Forza Vecchio Grifone!”
