Genoa Cricket and Football Club, better known as Genoa CFC, holds a unique place in the history of Italian football. As the oldest football club in Italy, founded in 1893, Genoa’s legacy is steeped in tradition, resilience, and a deep-rooted passion that runs through the port city of Genoa. With a glorious past, iconic fans, and an unshakable identity, the Rossoblù cakhiatv remain a symbol of football’s enduring power.
Born Before Them All
Genoa CFC was established on September 7, 1893, by English expatriates, initially as a cricket and athletics club. It quickly embraced football, becoming a founding member of the Italian Football Championship in 1898. In fact, Genoa won the very first championship and would go on to dominate the early years of Italian football.
Nicknamed “Il Grifone” (The Griffin) after the city’s coat of arms, Genoa’s red and blue colors have become iconic throughout Italy. The club’s home ground, the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, shared with Sampdoria, is one of the oldest and most atmospheric stadiums in the country.
A Legacy of Goals
Genoa’s style has evolved over time, but the club has always maintained a strong competitive spirit. Over the years, Genoa CFC has scored more than 4,000 goals across all competitions, including Serie A, Serie B, Coppa Italia, and European tournaments.
Some of the club’s memorable goal-scorers include:
- Roberto Pruzzo – A lethal striker who began his career with Genoa.
- Diego Milito – The Argentine forward whose time at Genoa helped launch him into European stardom.
- Marco Rossi – A longtime captain who contributed key goals and leadership during tough battles.
Today, Genoa continues to build with attacking talent and a dynamic midfield, always staying true to its historic fighting spirit.
Trophy Cabinet: A Historic Powerhouse
Though Genoa hasn’t won as many recent titles as modern giants, its early dominance makes it one of Italy’s most decorated clubs historically.
🏆 Major Honors:
- Italian Football Championship (Serie A predecessor): 9 titles
(1898, 1899, 1900, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1915, 1923, 1924) - Coppa Italia: 1 title (1936–37)
- Anglo-Italian Cup: 1 title (1996)
Genoa’s nine early league championships make it the fourth-most successful club in Italian top-flight history in terms of total league titles, behind only Juventus, Inter, and Milan.
In recent decades, while silverware has been harder to come by, Genoa has consistently fought to remain competitive, often playing a crucial role in shaping league outcomes and nurturing future stars.
Fan Culture: Fierce and Faithful
Genoa supporters, known as Grifoni, are among the most passionate in Italy. Whether in Serie A or Serie B, they fill the Luigi Ferraris with songs, flags, and flares, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
The Derby della Lanterna, played against cross-town rivals Sampdoria, is one of the most intense and colorful rivalries in Europe. It’s more than a football match — it’s a battle for the soul of the city.
Modern Genoa: Rebuilding with Purpose
Under new ownership and ambitious leadership, Genoa is building for the future. After a period of fluctuation between the top divisions, the club is focused on stability and long-term growth.
Young stars and experienced veterans are combining under a clear philosophy of hard work and attacking football. With renewed support and vision, Genoa aims to return to the top of Italian football and reclaim its spot among the elites.
A Club That Will Never Fade
Genoa CFC is not just Italy’s oldest club — it is a living symbol of tradition, loyalty, and resilience. With over 4,000 goals, ten major trophies, and millions of devoted fans, the Grifone remains a cornerstone of Italian football.
Genoa CFC: Ancient Roots, Eternal Fire.