The club with a rich history has ceased to exist.
Breshia was one of the founders of the Italian Serie A, and could once boast world-class players. Now, it has officially ceased to exist due to financial problems and the irresponsibility of its owners. How did this happen, and is there any hope of saving its history?
From the origins to Bajo and Guardiola
Breshia was founded in 1911, when professional football in Italy was just beginning. Two years later, it joined the Premier League. When Serie A was formed in 1929 to streamline tournaments in the country, Breshia was among its 18 founders. In its first season, the team finished tenth. This gray area has become a kind of epitome of Breshia’s fate for many years. After all, this industrial city, with a population of 200, has always been in the shadow of Milan and its superclubs. Milan is located only a few dozen kilometers away and dominated the region. In fact, over the next nine decades, “Breshia” lived its barely notable existence as a provincial team of average accident, failing to conquer and balancing between the two higher leagues. The only “achievement,” and a dubious one at that, was the longest continuous run in history in Serie B – from 1947 to 1965.
But an exceptional wave came at the turn of the century. The ingenious Roberto Bajo supplemented his injury-filled squabbles with a brilliant four-year stretch at Breshia. Then another legendary veteran, Josep Guardiola, joined him for a short time. They crossed over with rising star Andrea Pirlo, who was born in this city and began his illustrious career here in the youth team. At the same time, George Haji and Mario Balotelli were noted legends of Breshia at different times.
And the Bajo-led Breshia team flourished. In 2001, they finished eighth—the club’s best season. They also managed to reach the Intercontinental Cup, which anyone who can still remember. In the international arena, Breshia was one step away from success. But in a decisive match, they lost to PSG, who, along with Trevi and Aston Villa, became the tournament winners that season. Yes, such a strange tournament it was. Bajo ended his career in 2004, and Breshia flew a year later. And that, so to speak, was the end of the story of greatness. The club moved into the previous “elevator” with constant flights and increases in class.
History’s Destroyer Chellino then turned his attention to English football, being bought by Lids United in 2014. But he sold his contract in 2017, as the Football Association of England disqualified him for a year for violating the rules on working with agents. After selling Lids, he bought Breshia, which spent six years in Serie V for its troubles.This was soon followed by a promotion to Serie A and an immediate departure. As well as 24 coaching changes in eight years, 13 of them worked at the helm for less than 100 days. And in May, it became known that an investigation is underway against the club for financial violations, including non-payment of salaries to staff, players and the Italian Football Federation.
As a result, Breshia was deprived of four points. And the club that finished 15th was in the starting zone, which at the same time saved Sampdoria, which survived in the playoffs. “Breshia”, of course, contested the decision, but it was upheld. In addition, Chellino and his son Edoardo, who were part of the club’s board of directors, were banned from working for six months, and the team took out a permit for professional activities, that is, in fact, rejected, sent to lovers if the team suddenly decides to play. Italian
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They write that to avoid such a scenario, Chellino had to repay the €3 million debt, but he didn’t do that.
Help is Near
Before it became clear that Breshia was saying goodbye to professional football, there were rumors of a possible salvation. The city, which is famous for its industry, as we remember, is home to the largest steel manufacturer, Feralpi. Its president, Giuseppe Pazini, along with the management of another local company, A2A, and Mayor Laura Castelletti, are working on the club’s salvation. The Rigamonti Stadium actually belongs to the city council, but it has signed a lease agreement with the Chellino family until 2028. The owner, of course, is resting and believing this is a valid agreement; he won’t let anyone into the arena. However, the local authorities are determined. They believe that the club’s financial violations and disqualification can be reversed, so the stadium is returned to their possession. Everything points to Breshia being resurrected under Feralpi’s leadership. And it will likely be even more symbolic. After all, the club born in an industrial city will find local owners who merely personify Breshia in their socioeconomic guise.
Breshia – Chezen
Breshia – Chezen
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