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Griffins glowing in Genoa

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One of Italy's oldest clubs, Genoa 1893 are heading back to Serie A after a ten-year absence.

By Paolo Menicucci

A 3-2 win against AC Venezia in front of 37,000 fans on the final day of the season saw Genoa 1893 finish top of Serie B. After a ten-year absence, the nine-time national champions - who boast one of the proudest traditions in Italian football - are back in the top flight.

Remarkable outcome
It is a remarkable outcome considering that a few years ago, in 2002/03, Genoa seemed to be dropping down a level to Serie C1. Indeed, they would have been relegated but for one of their rivals being deducted points for fielding an ineligible player.

Ambitious president
The team's fortunes took a turn for the better when toy magnate Enrico Preziosi took charge of the club, nicknamed the Griffins after their badge. One of the most colourful Italian club presidents, he immediately set about building a strong squad by signing players from Serie A.

Big signings
He drafted in defenders such as Mohamed Gargo, Gianluca Lamacchi, Luigi Sartor and Andrea Sottil, midfielders Sabri Lamouchi, Nikola Lazetic, Marco Rossi and Giovanni Tedesco, and forwards like Roberto Stellone and Diego Alberto Milito.

New favourite
The latter, brought from Racing Club Avellaneda in January 2004, wasted no time in becoming the new favourite of the Luigi Ferraris stadium. The 26-year-old Argentinian - dubbed 'Il Principe' - struck 21 goals this term. "We deserve to be promoted because we made no mistakes despite being under huge pressure," said Milito, who has already equalled the number of Genoa goals - 33 - scored by Argentinian legend Juan Carlos Verdeal between 1946 and 1948.

English founder
Founded in 1893 by James Richardson Spensley, a British doctor who worked for English shipping companies in the city's port, Genoa won six of the first seven Serie A championships and added another thee titles in 1915, 1923 and 1924.

Recent successes
The Rossoblù have had more recent successes too. The highlights were in 1990/91 when they finished fourth in Serie A, and then the following campaign when they reached the UEFA Cup semi-finals having become the first Italian side to win at Liverpool FC's Anfield stadium.

Fond regards
Carlos Aguilera and Tomáš Skuhravy, strike partners in those heady days, rejoiced at Genoa's promotion. "I have been waiting for this moment for long time, I'm so happy," said the Uruguayan. "I can just imagine what kind of celebration there will be in town," added the former Czechoslovakia centre-forward.

Cosmi vindicated
The season has been a triumph for Serse Cosmi, the baseball-capped coach who made his name at AC Perugia, leading the Umbria club to UEFA Cup qualification. "I love working in this town," Cosmi said. "The atmosphere, the fans, the tradition, everything is fantastic here."

Derby game
Francesco Guidolin may take over from Cosmi in the summer, but with or without the coach, Genoa are back where they belong. The 'Derby della Lanterna' against UC Sampdoria, one of Italy's most exciting fixtures, returns to Serie A with the Griffins ready to fly again.

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