Unione Sportiva Cremonese, founded in 1903, is a proud football club from the city of Cremona, Lombardy — a town best known for its violins and football grit.
The Grigiorossi (Grey and Reds) have bounced between divisions for decades but hold a distinct place in Italian football folklore.
From grooming young talent to creating a fiercely loyal fan base, Cremonese represent everything soulful about small-club calcio.
Having beaten Spezia in the play-off means Cremonese are playing in Serie A for only the ninth time in their history.
To support Cremonese is to back passion over profit and tradition over trophies — it’s a commitment to the game’s purest form.
The signing of Romano Floriani Mussolini
On July 14, 2025, U.S. Cremonese officially announced the acquisition of Romano Floriani Mussolini, the great-grandson of former fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, from Lazio on a season-long loan with an option to purchase.
The move sparked immediate attention and debate in Italian football and beyond.
Romano chose to go by his full double surname, though he often wears just “Floriani M” on his jersey. At his unveiling, he emphasized:
“My surname bothers other people more than me. I’m here to play football … I want to be judged on the pitch, nothing else.”
After loan spells with Pescara in Serie C and a breakthrough season at Juve Stabia in Serie B, where he made 37 appearances, he earned Cremonese’s interest thanks to his consistent performances and potential.
Floriani Mussolini stirred controversy when Juve Stabia fans reportedly celebrated his first professional goal with fascist-style salutes and chants of “Mussolini” during a December 2024 match against Cesena. The incident prompted the Italian football federation (FIGC) to open an investigation.
Club Legends
- Antonio Cabrini – Began his career at Cremonese before becoming a Juventus legend and World Cup winner.
- Gianluca Vialli – Another star product of Cremonese’s youth system, who went on to shine at Sampdoria, Juventus, and Chelsea.
- Emiliano Mondonico – Former striker and much-loved coach in later years.
- Attilio Lombardo – Wore the Cremonese shirt early in his career before moving to Sampdoria and beyond.
- Michelangelo Rampulla – Goalkeeper famously scored for the club and later played at Juventus.
Best Coaches
- Tarcisio Burgnich – The Inter legend coached the club in the 1980s.
- Luigi Simoni – Managed Cremonese during one of its most successful periods, including top-flight survival.
- Massimiliano Alvini – Coached them to a return to Serie A in 2022 after a 26-year absence.
- Giovanni Stroppa – Currently leading the club with the goal of returning to Serie A.
Achievements
- Serie B Runners-Up: 1983–84, 2021–22 and Play-off winners 2024-25.
- Serie C Winners: Multiple promotions throughout 20th and 21st century
- Anglo-Italian Cup Winners: 1992–93, beating Derby County at Wembley — a unique and proud European triumph
- Several Coppa Italia Serie C wins
Though not a Serie A powerhouse, Cremonese has long punched above its weight with youth development and determined performances.
Rivalries and Friendships
Rivalries
- Brescia – Lombardy derby with plenty of edge.
- Piacenza – The Emilia–Lombardy rivalry.
- Como – Another regional contest.
- Parma and Mantova – Smaller local tensions over time.
Friendships
- Modena – Longstanding respectful relationship among fans.
- Some fans also maintain friendly ties with Ascoli supporters.
Ultra Groups
- Cremona Ultras 1977 – The main ultra group, located in the Curva Sud Erminio Favalli.
- Grigiorossi 1903 – A newer but dedicated core of support.
- Vecchia Guardia – Old-school, traditionalist fan group.
The ultras are known for loyalty, elaborate banners, and maintaining Cremonese’s working-class identity.
Ticket Information
- Stadio Giovanni Zini
- Capacity: ~20,000
- Located close to Cremona’s city center.
- Tickets range from €10–30, depending on the match.
- Purchase at:
- Official Cremonese Website
- TicketOne outlets
- Stadium box office on matchday
- Curva Sud is home to ultras.
- Tribuna Centrale for premium seating and family-friendly views.
How to get to the stadium
- Train: Arrive at Cremona Station, then walk or take a local bus (~15 minutes) to Stadio Zini.
- Car: Easily accessible from the A21 motorway (exit Cremona).
- Parking is limited, so early arrival is advised on matchday.
Where to eat and drink before the game
- Bar Stadio – Right outside the stadium, popular with locals.
- Locanda Torriani – A cozy spot in the city center for traditional Lombard cuisine.
- Birreria Pozzo – A good place for beers and pub food.
- Enoteca Cremona – For pre-match wine tasting and regional cold cuts.
- Trattoria del Tempo Perso – Local favourite for hearty meals.
What it means to support Cremonese
Supporting Cremonese is about community, loyalty, and history.
The club is deeply tied to Cremona’s identity. Fans are proud, not entitled — and celebrate hard-earned wins more than inherited greatness.
Despite spending much of its history in Serie B and C, Cremonese has a loyal fanbase that turns up week after week, rain or shine, singing “Forza Grigiorossi” with all their heart.
Supporting this club means being part of something intimate, emotional, and historic — a true reflection of what makes Italian football special.
