Savona Fbc
Savona Foot-Ball Club
The Savona Foot-Ball Club is an historic Italian football club based in the coastal city of Savona, located in the Liguria region of northern Italy. Established in 1907 by Cesare Lanza and Nicolò Pessano, the club has a storied past within the Italian football landscape.
Historical Overview
Early Years
Savona Foot-Ball Club commenced its competitive journey with its first championship in 1910. During the 1920s, the team enjoyed two seasons playing in the Italian Football Championship, marking an early high point in its history.
Period in Serie B
In the same period, the club achieved several seasons in Serie B, with its last appearance in this league during the 1966-67 season. This era was characterized by vibrant competitive performances and a loyal fanbase.
Challenges and Relegations
The following decades saw Savona experiencing relegations, notably spending considerable time in Serie C and Serie D. The club endured a long stint of approximately 20 years in Serie D, with only a brief return to Serie C2 from 2002 to 2004. Despite these challenges, the club clinched its sole major trophy, the Coppa Italia Dilettanti, in 1991.
Financial Difficulties and Resurgence
In the 2009–10 season, Savona was promoted from Serie D to the Lega Pro Seconda Divisione. However, financial instability plagued the club, culminating in a bankruptcy declaration by the Savona court on 23 December 2011. In a pivotal moment in March 2012, Aldo Dellepiane acquired the club for one euro, assuming part of its debts, and thus averting the club's dissolution.
Notable Players
Several players contribute to the rich legacy of Savona FBC:
- Valerio Bacigalupo: A renowned goalkeeper who began his career at Savona before achieving fame with Torino F.C..
- Marcello Lippi: Loaned to Savona, he later became a celebrated coach.
- Cristiano Giuntoli and Walter Zenga: Notable for their contributions during their tenure with the club.
Cultural Impact
Savona FBC holds a significant place in the local and regional culture of Liguria, uniting fans with its passionate performances and rich footballing tradition. The club's resilience through financial and competitive adversities has made it an enduring symbol of perseverance in the face of challenges.