Crotone

Football Club Crotone, commonly referred to as Crotone, is a professional football club based in Crotone, Calabria, Italy. The club was founded in 1910, making it one of the oldest football clubs in Italy. However, it wasn't until the 21st century that Crotone started to gain recognition in the Italian football scene.

Crotone spent most of its early years in the lower tiers of Italian football. The club's fortunes began to change in the late 1980s when they reached Serie C1, the third tier of Italian football. However, financial difficulties led to the club's relegation back to Serie C2 in 1991.

The club's fortunes took a turn for the better in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In the 1999-2000 season, Crotone secured promotion to Serie B, the second tier of Italian football, for the first time in their history. This was a significant milestone for the club and marked the beginning of a new era.

The 2000s saw Crotone establish themselves in Serie B, with the club regularly finishing in the top half of the table. However, it wasn't until the 2015-16 season that Crotone achieved their dream of playing in Serie A, the top tier of Italian football. Under the guidance of coach Davide Nicola, Crotone finished second in Serie B, securing automatic promotion to Serie A.

Crotone's first season in Serie A was a struggle, with the club finishing 17th and narrowly avoiding relegation. However, the following season, Crotone achieved their highest ever finish in Serie A, ending the season in 12th place.

Despite their success, Crotone has experienced a rollercoaster ride in Serie A, with the club being relegated and promoted several times. The 2019-20 season saw Crotone secure promotion to Serie A once again after finishing second in Serie B.

Crotone's home ground is the Stadio Ezio Scida, which has a capacity of just over 16,000. The club's traditional colours are blue and red, which feature prominently in their crest and kit.

Over the years, Crotone has developed a reputation for nurturing young talent, with several players going on to have successful careers in Serie A and other top European leagues. Notable former players include Raffaele Palladino, Bruno Cirillo, and Leonardo Bonucci.

Despite their ups and downs, Crotone remains a beloved institution in Calabria and continues to be a source of pride for its loyal fan base. The club's journey from the lower tiers of Italian football to Serie A is a testament to their resilience and determination. As they look to the future, Crotone will be hoping to establish themselves as a regular fixture in Serie A and continue their tradition of developing young talent.