Founded on July 17, 1911, Brescia Calcio is an emblem of Italian football with a rich heritage spanning over a century. Originating from the city of Brescia, in the prosperous Lombardy region, the club is affectionately known by its nicknames: Leonessa (The Lioness), reflecting the strength and fighting spirit of the city, and Rondinelle (The Little Swallows), for the white and blue colors of their kit. Their home is the Stadio Mario Rigamonti, inaugurated in 1959 and with a current capacity of 19,550 spectators, a place where tradition and passion meet on every matchday.
Brescia Calcio holds a particular record in Italian football: it is the club with the most seasons played in Serie B, the national second tier, having participated in over 60 editions. Throughout its existence, it has achieved four Serie B championships (1964-65, 1991-92, 1996-97, 2018-19) and an Anglo-Italian Cup in 1994, a significant milestone in its international journey. Although it has had multiple promotions to Serie A, its best finish in the top flight was a remarkable seventh place in the 2000-01 season, a golden period in which it featured the legendary Roberto Baggio. This achievement allowed them to qualify for the Intertoto Cup, reaching the final.
Brescia's history is not only told through its results but also by the great names who have worn its shirt, such as Andrea Pirlo, Gheorghe Hagi, Pep Guardiola, and the aforementioned Roberto Baggio, who left an indelible mark. These players, along with the loyal fanbase, have forged the identity of a club that represents the pride and tradition of a city passionate about football, offering historic moments and a vibrant stadium atmosphere.
Italian football has been shaken by the news of Brescia Calcio's administrative relegation to Serie C. The National Federal Court has imposed a severe sanction on the Lombard club, including a four-point deduction for the 2024-25 season and an additional four-point deduction for the 2025-26 campaign. This measure was taken after significant irregularities were discovered in a credit note that Brescia presented in February 2025 to cover outstanding salaries from November and December 2024, and January 2025.
Brescia Calcio's financial crisis has not only had sporting repercussions. As part of the sentence issued, the club's president, Massimo Cellino, known for his previous management at Cagliari and Leeds United, along with director Edoardo Cellino, have been banned from all football-related activities for a period of six months. This sanction underscores the seriousness of the detected irregularities.
The confirmation of Brescia Calcio's relegation to Serie C has significantly altered the landscape of the fight to avoid relegation in Serie B. Originally, the play-out was to be between Salernitana and Frosinone, but with the new standings resulting from Brescia's sanction, Salernitana will now face Sampdoria, as these are the teams in 16th and 17th positions respectively.
Facing the investigation for financial irregularities related to a credit note of approximately €1.4 million, Brescia president Massimo Cellino has emphatically stated that his club is a 'victim of fraud' and not responsible for the irregularities. This stance was maintained throughout the investigation process and the hearing.
On May 22, 2025, a decisive hearing for the future of Brescia Calcio was held. In it, the club had the opportunity to present its defense and relevant evidence against the accusations of financial irregularities that ultimately led to the severe sanction. Documentation from the government tax agency, received late, was key in the process.
As a precautionary measure and to ensure the integrity of the competition, Lega Serie B formally confirmed the suspension of the relegation play-outs while the investigation into Brescia Calcio's financial situation was ongoing. This decision affected several teams involved in the fight for permanence.
Amidst the institutional and sporting crisis, Brescia Calcio has confirmed the continuity of Rolando Maran as head coach of the first team. Maran, who took charge in November 2023, will have the difficult task of leading the team in Serie C during the 2025-2026 season.
Brescia Calcio has announced the opening of its new official online store, offering fans the opportunity to purchase official club merchandise and show their support for the Leonessa.
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