Ancona Calcio is an Italian football club founded in 1905, based in the city of Ancona, in the Marche region. The club has experienced a series of ups and downs, including bankruptcy, but has managed to rebuild and compete in Italy’s lower divisions.
History and Trophies
Ancona Calcio’s history is filled with challenges, including financial difficulties that led to the club’s bankruptcy in 2010. Despite this, the club has reformed multiple times and returned to competitive football. Ancona had a brief stint in Serie A during the 2003-2004 season, though it struggled to maintain its position in Italy’s top division.
While the club hasn’t won major Italian trophies, its perseverance through financial and competitive hardships has made it a symbol of resilience for its supporters.
Key Players and Coaches
Over the years, several important figures have been instrumental in Ancona Calcio’s story:
Massimo Silva, a coach who helped guide the team through difficult periods.
Roberto Colacone, one of the club’s top goal-scorers during its more successful years.
Alexandre Pato, a notable player who contributed to the team’s attacking efforts during their brief Serie A spell.
Best Performances
Domestically, Ancona Calcio’s most significant achievement has been its promotion to Serie A, although they were unable to stay long in the top flight. The club has also had some success in lower divisions, including winning promotion to Serie B and performing well in Coppa Italia matches.
Internationally, Ancona hasn’t made an impact, focusing primarily on domestic competition and rebuilding its status within Italian football.
Current Status
As of 2023, Ancona Calcio competes in Italy’s lower divisions, aiming to regain its former strength and return to higher tiers of Italian football.
Stadium
The club plays its home matches at the Stadio del Conero, located in Ancona, with a capacity of around 23,976 spectators. The stadium has witnessed both the highs and lows of Ancona’s journey over the years.
Audace Cerignola was founded in 1912, making it one of the oldest football clubs in the region. The club has spent most of its history competing in the lower divisions of Italian football. While they have not yet reached Serie A, Audace Cerignola has been a respected team in the regional leagues and has recently made strides towards achieving greater success in the professional leagues.
In recent years, the club has seen significant progress, climbing the Italian football pyramid and aiming for more consistent results in the Serie C, Italy's third tier of professional football. Their rise has been fueled by strong management and a focus on developing local talent as well as attracting experienced players.
Trophies and Achievements
Audace Cerignola has not yet won any major national trophies, such as the Coppa Italia or league titles in the top Italian divisions. However, they have enjoyed success at the regional and lower division levels:
Promotions: The club has celebrated several promotions throughout its history, most notably their recent promotion to Serie C, which represents the highest level they have played in.
Their success in the lower leagues has earned them a dedicated following and established them as a competitive side in the Italian football landscape.
Key Players
Several players have contributed significantly to Audace Cerignola's rise in recent years. Though the club may not have famous international stars, they have relied on a mix of experienced professionals and talented young players who have helped shape the team’s performances:
Alessio Esposito: A talented forward who has been crucial for the team in recent campaigns.
Roberto Siclari: Another important player who contributed to the team's promotion to Serie C with his experience and leadership.
These players, among others, have helped Audace Cerignola compete at a higher level and cement their position in professional football.
Notable Coaches
Audace Cerignola’s recent success can be attributed to solid coaching and leadership. While the club has seen a number of managerial changes over the years, certain coaches have stood out for their ability to guide the team to new heights:
Michele Pazienza: One of the most significant coaches in recent history, Pazienza led the team during a crucial period of development, helping them secure promotion to Serie C.
Leonardo Colucci: Another key figure, his tactical knowledge and leadership have played a pivotal role in stabilizing the team and ensuring they remain competitive at a higher level.
Best Performances
The best performances of Audace Cerignola have primarily come in domestic competitions, as they have yet to participate in any international tournaments:
Promotion to Serie C: The most significant achievement in recent history, Audace Cerignola secured promotion to Serie C in the 2021-2022 season, a milestone that marked the club’s growing stature in Italian football.
Strong Performances in Serie D: Before reaching Serie C, the club enjoyed a successful stint in Serie D, where they were consistently among the top teams, setting the stage for their eventual promotion.
Current Status
As of now, Audace Cerignola is competing in Serie C, the third tier of Italian football. The club is working to establish itself as a solid mid-table team in this division, with aspirations of possibly achieving promotion to Serie B in the future. The club’s focus remains on maintaining stability, developing talent, and strengthening its presence in professional Italian football.
The team’s performances in Serie C have been commendable, and they have shown that they can compete against more established clubs in the division. The club is also backed by a passionate fan base, which has been growing as the team climbs the football ladder.
Stadium
Audace Cerignola plays its home matches at the Stadio Domenico Monterisi, which has a capacity of around 5,000 spectators. Located in Cerignola, this stadium serves as a key venue for local football and has seen many of the club’s historic moments. The stadium is known for its intimate atmosphere, where passionate fans come to support the team, making it a difficult place for visiting teams to play.