Founded in 1911, Brescia Calcio emerged during the nascent years of professional football in Italy, achieving their first promotion to the top tier just two years later.
With the establishment of Serie A in 1929, designed to fortify a robust two-tier system, Brescia was proudly included among its inaugural 18 clubs.
In their first season, a commendable 10th place hinted at the obscurity that would characterize much of their future. Nestled in the industrial town of Brescia, home to around 200,000 residents, the club has often played second fiddle to the footballing titans of Milan, located just 50 miles to the west.
For nearly 90 years, Brescia lived a largely unremarkable existence, oscillating between tiers, experiencing relegations and promotions without ever clinching major silverware. Their lone notable record is holding the longest uninterrupted run in Serie B, spanning from 1947 to 1965.
A remarkable chapter unfolded at the dawn of the 21st century when the legendary Roberto Baggio, a footballing genius with a signature ponytail, chose to conclude his injury-riddled career with a four-season stint at Brescia.
Baggio’s time in Brescia was further illuminated by the presence of another football icon, Pep Guardiola, alongside the emergent talent Andrea Pirlo, who was nurtured through the club’s youth academy.
Inspired by Baggio’s brilliance, Brescia experienced a surge, achieving their best-ever league finish of eighth place in 2001, which secured them a spot in the UEFA Intertoto Cup, a tournament for European clubs outside the elite rankings.
Making their continental debut, Baggio’s decisive penalty wasn’t enough to stave off defeat against Paris Saint-Germain, falling short on away goals in one of three finals; the other contenders were Aston Villa and Troyes, hinting at the tournament’s eccentric nature.
Baggio hung up his boots in 2004, and Brescia faced relegation the following year, marking the end of their brief dalliance with success. The cycle of relegation and promotion resumed once again.
But now, a new era begins.