Foggia

Foggia Calcio is a professional Italian football club based in Foggia, Apulia. Founded in 1920, the club has a rich history filled with ups and downs, including several promotions and relegations throughout its existence. Known by their nickname "I Satanelli" (The Little Devils), Foggia Calcio is an integral part of the Italian football landscape.

The club's golden era came in the 1990s under the leadership of coach Zdeněk Zeman. This period, often referred to as "Zemanlandia," saw Foggia Calcio playing an aggressive and entertaining style of football that won them many admirers. They achieved consecutive promotions from Serie C1 (third division) to Serie A (top division) between 1989 and 1991. Despite being a relatively small club, Foggia managed to hold its own against the giants of Italian football, finishing as high as ninth in the Serie A.

Foggia's home ground is the Stadio Pino Zaccheria, named after a former president of the club. With a capacity of over 17,000, the stadium has witnessed many memorable moments in the club's history.

However, the club has also faced several challenges. Financial difficulties led to its exclusion from professional football in 2004. The club was refounded under the name Foggia Calcio and had to start from Serie D, the top level of the Italian non-professional football association. Despite these setbacks, Foggia showed resilience and determination, gradually climbing back up the Italian football pyramid.

In the 2016-2017 season, Foggia secured promotion to Serie B, the second tier of Italian football, after a 19-year absence. However, in 2019, the club was again excluded from the professional leagues due to financial irregularities. The club was refounded once again and currently competes in Serie C, the third tier of Italian football.

Over the years, Foggia has produced and nurtured several talented players who have gone on to have successful careers, both in Italy and abroad. Notable alumni include Giuseppe Signori, a former Italian international who was the top scorer in Serie A during his time at Foggia, and Dan Petrescu, a key member of the Romanian national team.

Despite the challenges and setbacks, Foggia Calcio remains a beloved institution in Apulia and Italian football. The club's passionate fan base, known as the "Foggiani," continues to support the team through thick and thin. The story of Foggia Calcio is a testament to the resilience and determination that is often characteristic of football clubs in smaller cities. It is a club that, despite its struggles, continues to fight and strive for success, embodying the spirit of the beautiful game.