Genoa: Grifone is back

Words: Lorenzo Santi

Images: Lorenzo Santi

Drums, flags and banner

Day of celebration will be

Grifone is flying again, the North Stand will follow you

United forever we'll sing, we'll rock the city

All the lads say it

We'll be back to Serie A  

“Grifone is back” are the lyrics of one of the most iconic choruses from last year and the choreography theme on the first match day of this season against Fiorentina.

After a year in Serie B, Genoa has got back to Serie A with incredible enthusiasm.

This return gives me similar feelings to those experienced in the 2007/08 season (Genoa’s previous promotion to Serie A).

Indeed, there are some similarities between the two seasons; however the Rossoblu response was, to a certain degree, unexpected but ultimately confirmed by the record number of season tickets.

Back in the day, I used to follow the team only at home, but these days it's different.

©Lorenzo Santi/ Terrace Edition. Genoa Cricket and Football Club.

Last year I travelled through Italy treading almost all the away sectors of Serie B. This is why I feel almost proprietary towards this promotion, as if I had actively contributed.

The Rossoblu roar, after a few years in which the club leadership has left something to be desired, has awakened and exploded despite the relegation that occurred two years ago in the 2022/23 season.

Each small group of fans has its own flag or banner, the North Stand and every away sector are a riot of red and blue colours.

From these sectors it is really difficult to get a good view of the game, so actually watching the game has become almost a  bonus.

By now the important thing is waving one’s colours and supporting the team.

©Lorenzi Santi/ Terrace Edition. Torino FC vs Genoa CFC.

Paranoia and mood swings.

Rossoblu are typically quick to get excited over the littlest of things and equally fast to lose heart. 

A mural and banner, present both at home and away  games, remind everyone of this trait.

The tendency to euphoria is demonstrated by the 19 consecutive games (including the last two of previous season) with more than 30,000 spectators for each home game, and by the away sectors, which are often full.

The cheering has been unwavering throughout the season, though of course there have been a few dips here and there for a mid-table finish; after all, being moody is a defining trait for Genoa supporters: that's the way we are.

©Lorenzo Santi/ Terrace Edition. Genoa Cricket and Football Club. Paranoia and mood swings.

©Lorenzo Santi/ Terrace Edition. Genoa CFC vs US Lecce.

©Lorenzo Santi/ Terrace Edition/ US Cremonese vs Genoa CFC.

©Lorenzo Santi/ Terrace Edition/ Udinese Calcio vs Genoa CFC.

©Lorenzo Santi/ Terrace Edition. Cagliari Calcio vs Genoa CFC.

©Lorenzo Santi/ Terrace Edition. Genoa CFC vs Hellas Verona.

©Lorenzo Santi/ Terrace Edition. Bologna FC 1909 vs Genoa CFC.

©Lorenzo Santi/ Terrace Edition. Empoli FC vs Genoa CFC.

©Lorenzo Santi/ Terrace Edition. Empoli FC vs Genoa CFC.

©Lorenzo Santi/ Terrace Edition. Genoa CFC vs US Lecce.

©Lorenzo Santi/ Terrace Edition. SS Lazio vs Genoa CFC.

©Tom Reed/ Terrace Edition. Genoa CFC vs Torino FC.

©Lorenzo Santi/ Terrace Edition. Genoa CFC vs Udinese Calcio.

©Lorenzo Santi/ Terrace Edition. Udinese Calcio vs Genoa CFC.

©Lorenzo Santi/ Terrace Edition. SSC Napoli vs Genoa CFC.

©Lorenzo Santi/ Terrace Edition. Frosinone Calcio vs Genoa CFC.

©Lorenzo Santi/ Terrace Edition. ACF Fiorentina vs Genoa CFC.

©Lorenzo Santi/ Terrace Edition. AC Monza vs Genoa CFC.

©Lorenzo Santi. Genoa CFC vs Cagliari Calcio.

Lorenzo is on X: @saints20