Hubbry Logo
FC MateraFC MateraMain
Open search
FC Matera
Community hub
FC Matera
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
FC Matera
FC Matera
FC Matera
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Football Club Matera, more commonly known as Matera, is an Italian football club society based in the city of Matera.

Key Information

The first city club, named U.S. Matera, was founded in 1933. During its history, the team went through several bankruptcies and re-establishments. In September 2022, it retook the name and logo of FC Matera.

History

[edit]

During 1926 and in the following years, the "Matheola Football Club", a team of the Opera Nazionale Dopolavoro of Matera, faced teams from nearby centres, sometimes with formations of 7 players per team, mainly using the "Campo delle Three Ways". An intense football and sporting ferment spreads in the city, which had just become the provincial capital. The first official football club in Matera was founded in the Federation Sports Office in Via La Vista on 5 September 1933 with the name of "Unione Sportiva Matera" and maroon colours; on 28 January 1934, on the occasion of the first official home match of the 1933–34 championship against Bitonto, the new Sports Field was inaugurated, later the "Luigi Razza" sports field, which became the "XXI Settembre" Stadium after the war. After having participated in a Third Division championship, Matera participated in the regional championship of the Second Division of Puglia, the highest regional championship of the time, later called First Division, starting from 1935–36. The club, which transformed itself into the Associazione Sportiva Materana in the 1936–37 championship, remained the city's highest expression of football until the Second World War. During the war, Matera was the only non-Apulian team to participate in the 1944 CONI Cup, a competition played in Puglia liberated by the Allied forces, while in the 1944–45 Apulian mixed tournament, they withdrew at the end of the first round.

In 1950 Matera Calcio, despite having finished in ninth place in the previous Apulian First Division championship, was admitted for the first time to an interregional championship, the Promozione (corresponding to the current Serie D), managed by the Southern Interregional League. At the end of the season, Matera were relegated and competed in the Apulian First Division championship. Still, despite coming first in group B, they were not classified as they had been officially registered in the Apulian championship by the F.I.G.C. for proximity reasons. He was therefore admitted to the new Lucanian Promotion championship, winning it in 1953 and returning to the interregional category, which in the meantime changed its name to IV Series, where he participated for five consecutive seasons. At the end of the 1957-58 season, Matera Calcio, after relegation to the Lucanian First Category, was excluded from the federal roles, so the first city team became Libertas Matera. In 1963, from the merger between Libertas and Acli Piccianello, the FootBall Club Matera was born, which two years later won its group and the semi-finals of the Lucanian First Category championship, and became Lucanian champion of the First Category by renunciation of Libertas Invicta Potenza.

Starting from 1965, the year of the return to Serie D, the person who, succeeding Riziero Zaccagnini, would be the president of the F.B.C. appeared on the scene. Matera for 22 years, Franco Salerno, who later also became Senator of the Republic, who will bring the blue and white club in the seventies to its highest levels ever. After three years in Serie D, Matera won the championship in 1967–68 ahead of Savoia and reached Serie C for the first time, relegating to Serie D in 1975 and returning to Serie C after a year. In 1978 the restructuring of the C series took place and Matera was admitted to the newly created C1 Series.

Serie B

[edit]

Following the first C1 series championship in history in the 1978-1979 season, under the guidance of president Franco Salerno, after whom the XXI Settembre Stadium was subsequently named, and coach Franco Dibenedetto (awarded that year with the Seminatore d'oro as best Serie C coach), the city of Matera reached Serie B for the first and only time in its history by winning on the last day against Lucchese.

Despite some prestigious results and a good first round that ended in 14th place in the safety zone in Serie B 1979–80 season, Matera collapsed in the second half; a double relegation from B to C2 followed, the year in which the Ballarin fire also occurred on the last day before the match between Sambenedettese and Matera. In the second half of the eighties, Matera experienced a second double relegation, moving from C2 to the Promotion championship.

As a consequence of this, the members of the F.C. Matera decided to carry out a corporate merger with the other Matera team, Pro Matera, a club active in the Interregional, giving life to Pro Matera Sport, which later became Matera Sport. In 1991 Matera won the interregional championship and then won promotion to C2 in the decisive play-off against Gangi, winning 2–0 at home and drawing 0–0 in Gangi, Sicily. Later he will also win the Jacinto Trophy, a precursor tournament to the current Amateur Scudetto (established since 1992) played between the six winners of the promotion play-offs; beating Aosta 1–0 in the final in Bovalino, Matera then became Interregional Italian Champions.

In 1992-1993 Matera finished the Serie C2 championship in third place and was returned to C1, where it returned after 12 years in the 1993–94 season. At the end of the season, however, due to administrative irregularities, Matera suffered a relegation to C2. Despite the corporate vicissitudes that led to the bankruptcy of Matera Sport and the subsequent birth of Polisportiva Matera, in the 1995–96 season the white and blue team played in a Serie C2 championship. With the new name it played another good championship in C2 before being condemned for the second time in three years to another relegation due to problems relating to the bank guarantee required for registration in the championship. Polisportiva Matera, in protest against the relegation and economic difficulties, played the 1997-98 National Amateur Championship with the junior team, finishing second to last in group H with only 6 points and ahead of only Lagonegro.

In 1998, the Materasassi Sports Association was born from the merger between Atletico Matera and Scanzano, chaired by the lawyer Vitantonio Ripoli, who acquired the right to participate in the regional Eccellenza tournament. In the 1998–99 Eccellenza Lucana championship there was therefore a derby between Materasassi and Polisportiva Matera (which in the meantime changed its name several times, coexisting with the other city until its dissolution in 2001) and in the city of Sassi it returned to play a derby forty-five years after the matches between Libertas and Matera Calcio.

In 1999–00 Materasassi, which in the previous season played at a regional level had come in third place by winning the Italian Amateur Basilicata Cup, won the Eccellenza championship and allowed Matera football to return to an interregional category after two years.

In the 2004–05 season, due to the usual lack of investors, it was the fans who guaranteed food and accommodation to the players thanks to real spontaneous collections of money which continued until the entry into the club of the two new Barbano members and Padula. Despite the economic difficulties, in the 2004–05 and 2005–06 seasons Matera somehow managed to retain Serie D thanks to victories in the play-outs.

Coppa Italia Serie D

[edit]

In the 2009–10 season Matera won the Coppa Italia Serie D and the promotion playoffs in 2009-10 Serie D, and was admitted to 2010-11 Lega Pro Seconda Divisione where it ranks 7th.[1]

In the summer of 2011 the club did not register for the subsequent Second Division championship and was thus excluded from the professional championships due to financial defaults. In the 2011–12 season the FIGC Provincial Committee authorizes the Football Club Matera to restart from the Third Category Provincial Championship.

Matera Calcio

[edit]

In the following season Matera did not enter any championship, failing. However, in 2012 the entrepreneur Saverio Columella completed the registration of a new football club in the Serie D championship: A.S.D. Matera Calcio.[2] In 2014 the club returned to the third level of Italian football, changing its name to S.S. Matera Calcio. It reached the Lega Pro play-off in 2014–15 and 2016–17 and the Coppa Italia Lega Pro final in 2017. In August 2018, Matera Calcio was taken over by the Matera entrepreneur Nicola Andrisani and the lawyer Vitantonio Ripoli, already president in the early 2000s. Rosario Lamberti, entrepreneur from Avellino took over from them. On 14 February 2019 it was excluded from the Serie C championship after four withdrawals, and subsequently excluded from federal roles.

USD Matera Calcio 2019

[edit]

The club was refounded in 2019 as U.S.D. Matera Calcio 2019 and resumed from Seconda Categoria.[3] In 2021 it merged with A.S.D. Grumentum Val d'Agri and transformed into U.S.D. Matera Grumentum, winning the Lucanian Eccellenza championship. In September 2022 the club retook the name and logo of FC Matera.

In 2022–23, after an extremely difficult start under the guidance of coach Finamore, who decided to resign in the month of October, with the appoint of mister Ciullo the biancazzurri managed to climb back up the table with a series of consecutive useful results, up to hope for a place in the playoffs. The season ends in 7th place, after having largely achieved the primary objective of salvation.

Colors and badge

[edit]

The colors of Matera Calcio are white and blue deriving from the city's coat of arms. At the time of the founding of the first city football team, from which Matera Calcio derives, the maroon was initially chosen as the social color. In the 1967-1968 season, the white jersey with a blue diagonal made its debut, which would later become the classic Matera jersey.

Stadium

[edit]

Matera plays its home games at the Stadio XXI Settembre-Franco Salerno, the largest stadium in the Basilicata region. Its construction was completed in 1933 and it was initially called Campo Sportivo Luigi Razza; after the war the name was changed to Stadio XXI Settembre to commemorate September 21, 1943, the date of the Matera massacre. Finally, on 16 June 2001, the stadium was co-named after Franco Salerno, president of the Matera Football Club who won Serie B in the 1979-80 season (the last time a football team from Basilicata was in the cadet). Precisely in 1979, on the occasion of that promotion, the stadium was renovated, with the construction of the two curves and the steps, the latter replacing the old one that was made of Innocenti tubes and of much smaller dimensions, while the central grandstand dates back to the early fifties and the side stands to 1968; the total capacity of the stadium was thus increased to about 15,000 seats, progressively reduced over the following years for reasons of security and public order.

Notable former players

[edit]
See also: Category:FC Matera players

Honours

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

FC Matera

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
FC Matera is an Italian association football club based in , , founded on 5 September 1933 as Unione Sportiva Matera. The club, which plays its home matches at the Stadio XXI Settembre – Franco Salerno with a capacity of 7,490, last competed in Serie D Group H, the fourth tier of the . Known for its white-and-blue kits, FC Matera represents the city of , a famous for its ancient cave dwellings, and draws support from a passionate local fanbase. The club's history is characterized by periods of success interspersed with financial difficulties and multiple refoundings. It first reached in the 1967–68 season and achieved its highest level of prominence with promotion to following a first-place finish in Serie C1 during the 1978–79 campaign, where it competed for two seasons before relegation. Other notable accomplishments include winning promotion from Serie D in 2009–10 via the Coppa Italia Serie D and playoffs, securing the Coppa Italia Serie D in the same year, and returning to Serie C (then Lega Pro) in 2014–15 after topping Serie D in 2013–14. Financial instability has been a recurring challenge, leading to bankruptcies in 1988, 1998, and 2011, which forced the club to restart in lower divisions each time. Following exclusion from Serie C in 2019 due to further economic issues, a successor entity emerged through a merger and relocation, eventually reclaiming the FC Matera name and sporting tradition. However, in 2025, the club was excluded from Serie D due to financial and administrative issues, preventing participation in the 2025–26 season. As of November 2025, efforts are underway for a potential refounding while honoring its legacy as one of Basilicata's historic football institutions.

History

Foundation and early years (1933–1978)

The Football Club Matera traces its origins to September 5, 1933, when Unione Sportiva Matera was established in the Federation Sports Office located in Via La Vista, Matera, amid the fascist regime's promotion of organized sports through state-affiliated federations. The club adopted granata (maroon) colors and operated as an amateur outfit, competing initially in regional leagues such as the Terza Divisione Pugliese in the 1933–34 season, where it finished fifth with three points. Early leadership fell to local entrepreneurs, including president Leonardo Cospito in the founding year, reflecting the involvement of Matera's business community in sustaining the nascent team amid limited resources. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, U.S. Matera navigated various regional competitions, including the Seconda Divisione Pugliese (1934–35) and Prima Divisione Pugliese (1935–36 onward), with inconsistent results often hampered by wartime disruptions and name changes, such as A.S. Materana in 1936–37 and Guf Pro in 1942–43 under fascist youth organizations. Post-World War II economic hardships in , characterized by regional poverty and reconstruction challenges, exacerbated operational difficulties, leading to withdrawals like the 1945 Campionato Misto Pugliese and poor finishes, such as 11th in Prima Divisione Pugliese in 1947–48. Ownership rotated among local figures, including Giuseppe Sinatra (1947–48), as the club persisted in amateur leagues like Seconda Divisione Lucana. By 1949, it rebranded as A.S. Matera Calcio with white-and-blue colors and gained entry to the Promozione Interregionale for 1950–51, marking a step toward structured regional play. A significant refounding occurred in 1958 as Libertas Matera, emerging after the prior entity's exclusion from federal roles following relegation to the Lucanian First Category at the end of 1957–58; this new iteration focused on youth development and competed in the Campionato Lucano Dilettanti, winning the title in 1958–59. The club participated in Promozione and Interregionale leagues during the 1950s, achieving promotion to IV Serie (later Serie D) in 1953 from Promozione Lucana. Early rivalries took shape regionally, notably the Basilicata derby against Potenza, with the first recorded match in Interregionale II Serie on April 13, 1958, ending 5–1 to Potenza. The 1960s brought greater stability, culminating in the club's first promotion to Serie C after winning the Serie D championship in 1967–68 ahead of Savoia. Under president Franco Salerno from 1965, who provided sustained local entrepreneurial backing, Matera maintained mid-table positions in Serie C during the early , avoiding relegation until 1975. Infrastructure saw initial advancements with the inauguration of Campo degli Sports on January 28, 1934, for a 1933–34 home match against , though major upgrades remained limited until later decades; the era's progress reflected Matera's ancient Sassi cave dwellings, symbolizing resilient community ties to the club's identity.

Serie B participation and peak (1979–1980)

FC Matera earned promotion to for the first time in club history by winning the Serie C1 Girone B title in the 1978–79 season, clinching the championship with a decisive 4–0 victory over Lucchese on the final matchday. Under manager Franco Di Benedetto and president Franco Salerno, the team relied on a solid defensive structure and contributions from key players such as Luciano Aprile and Aldo Raimondi to secure the ascent, marking a historic milestone for the Basilicata-based club after years of regional competition. The 1979–80 Serie B campaign represented Matera's sole season in Italy's second tier, where they competed against 19 other clubs over 38 matches. Managed by Di Benedetto throughout, the squad featured goalkeeper Adriano Casiraghi as a mainstay with 35 appearances, alongside defenders like Fulvio Bussalino and midfielders such as De Canio and Raimondi, who scored the club's first-ever goal in a 1–1 draw against on the . Despite an enthusiastic start, including a 1–0 home win over rivals —drawing a record crowd of over 15,000 spectators at Stadio XXI Settembre—the team struggled with consistency, finishing 20th with 8 wins, 10 draws, and 20 losses, accumulating 26 points. Matera scored 20 goals while conceding 43, with forward Italo Florio leading the attack as top scorer with 6 goals across 34 appearances. Notable victories included a 1–0 home triumph against and an away success over Sampdoria, highlighting moments of resilience amid relegation battles against teams like Ternana and Sambenedettese. The season's average attendance of around 6,500 reflected strong local support, fostering a surge in community pride and fan engagement in Matera, though mounting operational costs began signaling financial pressures by season's end. This brief foray into national prominence remains the club's peak achievement, elevating its profile without achieving sustained stability.

Decline, bankruptcies, and refoundings (1981–2011)

Following the brief stint in Serie B, FC Matera suffered relegation to Serie C1 at the end of the 1980–81 season and then to Serie C2 the following year, marking the beginning of a prolonged period of instability characterized by inconsistent performances and mounting financial pressures. The club oscillated between Serie C1 and C2 throughout the 1980s, but economic challenges in the impoverished region—where limited industrial development and high unemployment rates hindered sponsorship and investment—exacerbated operational difficulties, leading to the first major in 1988. Unable to fulfill financial obligations, the original F.C. Matera withdrew from the league and transferred its roster to Pro Matera, which was refounded as Matera Sport to compete in the Interregionale championship starting in 1988–89. Under the new entity, Matera Sport achieved a notable resurgence by winning the Interregionale title in the 1990–91 season, securing promotion to Serie C2 through play-off victories over Gangi (2–0 home, 0–0 away) and also claiming the Trofeo Jacinto as national interregional champions. The team finished third in Serie C2 during 1992–93, earning promotion to Serie C1 via a league fill-in spot, but this success was short-lived; administrative irregularities, including unresolved debts, resulted in a desk relegation back to Serie C2 at the end of the 1993–94 campaign despite a respectable mid-table finish on the field. Financial woes persisted, culminating in the bankruptcy of Matera Sport in 1995, after which the club was refounded as Polisportiva Matera and allowed to continue in Serie C2 for the 1995–96 season using existing infrastructure. The Polisportiva era proved turbulent, with another relegation to imposed in 1997 due to ongoing financial defaults and protests against the prior administrative penalty; the team fielded its youth squad in the 1997–98 Campionato Nazionale Dilettanti as a form of dissent. In response to these crises, local supporters and officials orchestrated a merger in 1998 between Atletico and Scanzano to form A.S. Materasassi, which acquired the sports title and restarted in under president Vitantonio Ripoli; the entity soon reverted to F.C. Matera and gradually climbed back to Serie D by the early . The saw persistent Serie D struggles from 2004–09, with near-relegations averted only through play-out wins amid chronic funding shortages and fan-led initiatives to cover costs, reflecting the broader economic stagnation in that limited private investment in regional sports. By 2010–11, accumulated debts led to exclusion from Lega Pro Seconda Divisione, forcing a restart in Terza Categoria for 2011–12 and signaling the nadir of the club's post-peak era, though fan protests and temporary alliances with local teams helped sustain grassroots operations during the hiatus.

Modern era and Serie D revival (2012–present)

Following the exclusion from Serie C in the 2018–19 season due to administrative penalties and missed matches, the club was refounded as USD Matera Calcio 2019 and began competing in Seconda Categoria. In 2021, it merged with A.S.D. Grumentum Val d'Agri to form U.S.D. Matera Grumentum, which achieved promotion to Serie D by winning the Eccellenza Lucana championship in the 2021–22 season. The club officially re-established as FC Matera in September 2022, reclaiming its historical name and badge to symbolize continuity with the city's football tradition. Upon entering Serie D Girone H for the 2022–23 season, FC Matera finished 7th, marking a solid debut in the fourth tier after years of lower-league struggles. The 2023–24 campaign saw further progress, with the team securing 6th place and advancing to the promotion playoffs, where they demonstrated competitiveness against higher-seeded opponents in a bid for Serie C elevation. This position was repeated in the 2024–25 season, underscoring the club's consolidation at this level with a balanced record of 12 wins, 13 draws, and 9 losses. The significantly impacted operations, suspending the 2019–20 season and restricting the abbreviated 2020–21 campaign, but the club adapted by prioritizing player welfare and limited training protocols in compliance with FIGC guidelines. Under president Stefano Tosoni, who assumed leadership in July 2024, ownership emphasized financial stability and long-term planning, including key summer transfers to bolster the squad. Managerial transitions, such as the appointment of Francesco Di Gaetano in April 2025, focused on tactical discipline to pursue promotion. FC Matera has integrated youth academy talents into the senior team, with several under-23 players contributing goals and assists in recent Serie D matches, fostering a pathway from the club's training facilities. Community initiatives, including fan outreach events and school partnerships, have enhanced engagement, drawing average attendances of over 2,000 at Stadio XXI Settembre despite post-pandemic recovery challenges. However, in July 2025, FC Matera was excluded from the 2025–26 Serie D championship due to unresolved administrative and financial issues. Tosoni ceded majority ownership shortly thereafter. A successor entity, Città dei Sassi, emerged under president Ragone, reclaiming the club's sporting tradition. The new club relocated to Montescaglioso and began competing in Lucana for the 2025–26 season, with Marco Ferri appointed as coach in July 2025. As of November 2025, Città dei Sassi continues efforts to stabilize and rebuild in the regional league.

Club identity

Colors and badge

The primary colors of FC Matera are white and blue, derived from the of the city of , which features these tinctures alongside and an symbol to represent the locale's historical identity. These colors were officially adopted in 1949 with the establishment of A.S. Matera Calcio, supplanting the original granata hue used by the club since its founding in 1933, and have since symbolized the team's deep ties to Materan and broader Lucanian heritage. The club's badge has undergone several evolutions reflective of its history and regional symbolism. During the , it incorporated an eagle motif within a blue-and-white design, emphasizing strength and tradition during the team's era. In the , under iterations like , the badge featured a prominent stylized "M" integrated with the outline of the Sassi caves, drawing on Matera's ancient rock-hewn dwellings as a core element of local identity and avoiding commonplace Italian football iconography. Following the club's refounding and revival in the , the current —readopted in 2022—reverts to the historic design from the late to 1980s, a classic in and with "FC " lettering and subtle Lucanian motifs, underscoring continuity with the original identity while honoring the city's UNESCO-recognized cultural landmarks. FC Matera's have consistently embodied these colors since their 1949 adoption, with the traditional home kit consisting of a accented by trim or diagonals—a style that debuted prominently in the 1967–68 season and persists today to evoke purity and regional pride. Away kits often invert the palette for contrast, while evolutions across eras, such as manufacturer-specific variations from and , maintain the core white-and-blue scheme to reinforce the club's connection to 's distinctive heritage rather than national stereotypes.

Name changes and ownership

The club now known as FC Matera has undergone several name changes, primarily driven by financial bankruptcies, fusions with other local teams, and refoundings required under Italian sports law, which mandates the creation of new legal entities to resume competitive activity after insolvency. These transformations have often involved registration with the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC) in lower regional leagues, reflecting the challenges of maintaining professional status in Italy's football system. The original entity was established on September 5, 1933, as Unione Sportiva (U.S. ), founded by local figures including Leonardo Cospito as its first president, operating under a committee-based structure typical of early Italian amateur clubs. This name persisted through the pre-World War II era, with interim changes to Associazione Sportiva Materana in 1936 and GUF during wartime, before reverting to U.S. equivalents post-1945 amid disruptions. By the late , financial difficulties led to the dissolution of A.S. Calcio in 1958, prompting a refounding as Foot Ball Club in 1963 through a merger between Libertas and A.C.L.I. Piccianello, registered as a new società dilettantistica with FIGC for regional play. In 1988, following exclusion from the Interregionale due to financial irregularities, the club was refounded as Matera Calcio (initially via a fusion with Pro Matera into Matera Sport ), allowing resumption in the same league under a new legal framework to comply with FIGC affiliation rules. Ownership during this period shifted to industrialists, with Franco Salerno serving as president from 1965 to 1987, transforming the club into a () and funding its rise to Serie C. His tenure exemplified the role of local entrepreneurs in stabilizing Italian lower-tier clubs, though it ended amid growing debts. The 1990s saw further instability after the 1988 refounding, leading to another in 1998 and a subsequent refounding as A.S. Matera (or A.S. Materasassi) through a merger of Atletico Matera and Scanzano , again as a new S.r.l. entity registered with FIGC for . Ownership disputes arose in the mid-2000s, including legal battles over unpaid debts and failed registrations, leading to fan protests and temporary exclusions; for instance, in 2005, conflicting claims between creditors and potential buyers delayed FIGC approval. These issues highlighted the vulnerabilities under Italy's Legge 91/1981, which separates sports and commercial entities but requires clear financial guarantees for continuity. Instability continued into the late 2000s, culminating in a 2011 that forced a refounding in 2012 as A.S.D. Matera Calcio, led by entrepreneur Saverio , who served as president until 2018. In the years following the 2012 refounding, the club faced renewed financial challenges, resulting in exclusion from Serie C in 2019 due to insolvency. This led to the emergence of a successor entity, U.S.D. Calcio 2019, starting in Seconda Categoria. Ownership disputes persisted, with having sold the prior entity to LPS Group in 2018, followed by local owners Nicola Andrisani and Vito Ripoli. Fan-led initiatives, such as the 2018 formation of Gradinata Biancazzurra, emerged to advocate for transparent ownership and prevent further collapses, influencing community-driven stability efforts. In 2021, U.S.D. 2019 merged with A.S.D. Grumentum Val d'Agri to form U.S.D. Grumentum. By September 2022, this entity reverted to F.C. S.s.d., reclaiming the historic name and logo under president Antonio Petraglia to symbolize revival in Serie D. As of July 2025, ownership was held by Stefano Tosoni as president and sole proprietor since August 2024, following Petraglia's resignation amid financial strains that led to the club's exclusion from Serie D for the 2025–26 season. As of November 2025, the club remains excluded, with no confirmed refounding or change in ownership, potentially necessitating another restart under FIGC guidelines for lower divisions. These name evolutions have occasionally prompted badge revisions to incorporate updated nomenclature while retaining core elements like the symbol.

Facilities and operations

Stadium

The Stadio XXI Settembre-Franco Salerno, located in the Piccianello neighborhood of city center, serves as the primary home venue for FC Matera. Constructed in 1934 and designed by engineer Vincenzo Corazza, it was originally named Campo degli Sports and later Campo Sportivo Luigi Razza in 1936. Following , it was renamed Stadio XXI Settembre in 1945 to commemorate the city's uprising against Nazi occupation on September 21, 1943. The stadium received its full current name on June 16, 2001, honoring Franco Salerno, the club's president during its historic 1979–80 Serie B promotion season. The venue has undergone several key renovations to accommodate higher-level competition. In 1951, the central tribune was completed; lateral tribunes followed in 1968. A major expansion in 1979 added curves and a new , boosting capacity to approximately 15,000 spectators before modern regulations reduced it. was installed in 1998, and maintenance works occurred in 2010 to meet Lega Pro standards, followed by extraordinary upkeep in 2022 costing €45,000 for dressing rooms, systems, and features. In 2023, a €14 million requalification proposal under the Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza was submitted to modernize the facility for multifunctional use, including improved and support for . As of 2025, the stadium is an all-seater facility with a total capacity of 7,490, though currently homologated for 6,820 seats; ongoing works under the Parco del Campo project, which began in February 2025, aim to finalize upgrades by late 2026, targeting a capacity of 7,000–7,400 and eligibility for Serie C. As of November 2025, demolition and upgrade works continue, with sectors like Curva Nord and Gradinata closed since February. The pitch measures 105 by 68 meters, with lighting sufficient for evening matches, though no dedicated VIP areas are specified beyond the central tribune. Maintenance has faced challenges from regional funding delays, contributing to temporary capacity reductions in 2023 to 4,999 seats for safety compliance. FC Matera has utilized the stadium since its early years, notably hosting Serie B matches during the 1979–80 season when pre-regulation crowds exceeded 15,000. In recent Serie D seasons, average home attendances were around 2,000, reflecting the club's revival efforts amid infrastructural improvements.

Training facilities and youth academy

FC Matera's primary training facilities are centered at the Campo Sportivo di La Martella, a municipal sports complex in the La Martella district of Matera, which reopened on 28 January 2025 after extensive renovations. The site includes a regulation synthetic grass pitch suitable for professional training, along with upgraded changing rooms and spectator stands, providing essential infrastructure for daily sessions of the first team and youth squads. Established as a key asset following the club's 2012 refounding, the facility addresses previous limitations in dedicated training spaces and supports compliance with regional league requirements, though it occasionally supplements sessions at the main stadium when weather or scheduling demands it. In May 2025, FC Matera entered a with local firm Smetx to develop a modern, club-owned training center featuring multiple pitches and a covered structure, aiming to enhance long-term operational capabilities; however, the collaboration dissolved by the 2025/26 season due to unresolved terms, underscoring persistent infrastructural hurdles. Despite these setbacks, the club has invested in facility maintenance to meet standards for its current campaign, prioritizing functionality over expansion given budgetary constraints typical of semi-professional Italian clubs. The academy, Settore Giovanile, traces its origins to the and was revitalized post-2012, encompassing age groups from Under-7 through to the Primavera (Under-19) level, with a strong emphasis on nurturing talent from the region. Programs integrate technical training, educational partnerships with local schools, and competitive participation in FIGC-sanctioned youth leagues, fostering pathways for promising players to the senior squad. Historical highlights include the Juniores team reaching national semifinals in the 2009/10 season and the Allievi squad achieving similar success in 2010/11, demonstrating the academy's potential despite resource limitations. Recent developments include staff reinforcements announced in 2024, with new coordinators and coaches to bolster program quality, and the opening of pre-registrations for the 2025/26 season on 30 June 2025 to expand enrollment and sustain development initiatives. Operating on a modest budget compared to higher-tier clubs, the academy faces challenges in facilities and scouting but has benefited from regional FIGC support, enabling competitive showings in national youth cups and occasional promotions of homegrown players to professional contracts. Compliance investments, such as pitch upgrades at La Martella, ensure adherence to league mandates following the club's 2025 exclusion from Serie D.

Players and staff

Notable former players

Notable former players of FC Matera are selected based on criteria such as over 100 appearances for the club or significant on-field impact, particularly during key eras like the season and promotions in lower divisions. These figures often served as captains, top scorers, or defensive anchors, contributing to the club's stability amid its financial challenges and refoundings.

Serie B Era (1979–1980) Contributors

Adriano Casiraghi, a born in 1948, holds the record for most appearances at 278 between 1977 and 1986, including the historic campaign where he provided solid defensive support in 30 matches. Known for his reliability between the posts, Casiraghi helped avoid relegation by finishing 17th, earning praise for key saves against top sides like . After leaving , he retired but remained a local icon, with tributes highlighting his loyalty during the club's peak. Luigi De Canio, a versatile defender born in 1957 in , made 221 appearances from 1975 to 1986, including stints in 1975–1979 and 1981–1986, captaining the side in Serie C and anchoring the backline during promotion pushes. His tenacious style and local roots made him a fan favorite, contributing to defensive solidity in over 150 league games. Post-Matera, De Canio transitioned to coaching, leading Udinese to UEFA Cup qualification in 2005 and managing several Serie A clubs, including and . Giovanni Picat Re, a forward born in 1947, is the club's all-time top scorer with 52 goals in 182 appearances from 1978 to 1983, including the sole goal for in a 1-1 draw against in 1980. As a clinical finisher, he netted crucial strikes in cup ties and league matches, helping stabilize the attack during the top-flight exposure. After , he played for before retiring, later receiving local honors for his prolific output.

Pre-Serie B and Serie C Stalwarts (1960s–1970s)

Claudio Gambini, a defensive born in 1952, amassed 322 appearances from 1971 to 1984, the highest in club , often dictating play from deep and scoring occasional goals like one in a 3-0 win over Turris in 1979. His endurance and tactical awareness were vital in Serie C promotions and survival campaigns, making him a symbol of consistency. Gambini retired post-Matera without higher-level moves but is remembered for embodying the club's gritty spirit. Giuseppe Galati, known as "Pinuccio," a born in 1945, recorded 251 appearances from 1966 to 1975, serving as an inexhaustible "box-to-box" engine in Serie C with two goals in the 1969–70 season alone. His relentless energy drove midfield dominance during mid-table finishes, contributing to team cohesion amid early financial woes. Galati passed away in 2025 at age 79, prompting tributes as a foundational figure in Matera's revival. Nicola Loprieno, a central defender born in 1942, featured in 194 games from 1968 to 1975, excelling in one-on-one duels despite his modest height through grit and positioning in Serie C defenses. He was instrumental in clean sheets during the 1971–72 campaign, helping secure 10th place. Loprieno later played for before succumbing to in 2021 at age 78, leaving a legacy of defensive resilience. Fernando Veneranda, an Argentine-Italian forward born in 1941, ended his playing career at with 32 appearances and one goal in the 1972–73 Serie C season, bringing flair from prior stints at and international experience. His technical skill aided attacking transitions during a rebuilding phase. Transitioning immediately to management, Veneranda coached in 1973–74 and later , influencing the club's tactical evolution until his death in 2007.

Later Serie C and Early Serie D Figures (1980s–1990s)

Dragutin Ristić, a Croatian striker born in 1964, scored key goals in 33 appearances during the 1990–91 Serie C1 season, leveraging his physical presence for headers and counters amid the club's decline. His contributions helped avoid immediate relegation post-bankruptcy threats. After Matera, Ristić played in for and , retiring as a journeyman forward. Francesco Mancini, a born in 1968 in , began his senior career with 17 appearances in 1985–86 Serie C, showcasing shot-stopping that foreshadowed his future stardom. As a local product, he provided stability in a turbulent period. Mancini later became Foggia's hero in the 1990s, earning two promotions and a national team call-up in 1993 before his tragic death in 2012 at age 43. Matera honors these players through an unofficial hall of fame maintained by historical archives, featuring profiles and tributes without formal statues, emphasizing their role in the club's identity despite no official club induction program.

Current management and coaching staff

As of the 2024–25 season, the ownership and executive leadership of FC Matera was headed by president Stefano Tosoni, who acquired majority control in July 2024 and oversaw financial operations amid ongoing challenges from prior administrations. The board included co-president Salvatore Pagliuca, vice president Pino Battilomo, and general director Alessia Giustini, with additional roles such as general secretary Daniele Guardascione and Salvatore Castorina handling squad building and administrative duties. Tosoni managed financial oversight, including settling debts from previous management, but in July 2025, he publicly sought buyers for the club at a reported 200,000 euros to stabilize operations. The coaching staff during the latter part of the 2024–25 Serie D campaign was led by head coach Francesco Di Gaetano, appointed on April 3, 2025, as the fourth managerial change of the season following the dismissals of Salvatore Ciullo, Alfio Torrisi, and Marco Ferri. Di Gaetano, a 52-year-old Italian with prior experience at clubs like Nuova Igea , implemented a pragmatic, defensive-oriented suited to Serie D survival, emphasizing compact formations like 4-2-3-1 to counter stronger opponents. His assistants included vice coach Marco Ferri (prior to his own dismissal), Riccardo Calzone, goalkeeping coach Antonio Bruno, and match analyst Pasquale Resta, focusing on fitness and tactical preparation for the Girone H fixtures. Support roles encompassed director of football Salvatore Castorina, who coordinated and transfers post-2024, and operational Claudio Anellucci, responsible for integration and logistics. Recent hires included Castorina in early 2025 to address gaps after a mid-table finish, though statuses remained fluid amid budgetary constraints. No major controversies arose in staff appointments, but fan dissatisfaction peaked during the season's coaching turnovers, contributing to Tosoni's public appeals for support. Following the club's exclusion from the 2025–26 Serie D due to incomplete registration documentation on July 21, 2025, the organizational structure entered a transitional phase, with no active competitions or confirmed staff updates as of November 2025; efforts to register in Lucana failed when the replacement entity, Città dei Sassi, withdrew on October 23, 2025.

Achievements

Domestic honours

FC Matera has achieved several notable domestic honours within the Italian football system, primarily through promotions and cup successes in lower divisions, reflecting the club's resilience amid financial challenges and regional competition. The club's highest level of attainment was participation in during the 1979–80 season, following a triumphant promotion campaign the previous year. Although no league titles were secured at the national top tiers, Matera's successes in Serie C and Serie D, along with the prestigious Coppa Italia Serie D, underscore its status as Basilicata's most accomplished club in FIGC-sanctioned competitions. The club's sole venture into came in the 1979–80 season, after winning the Serie C1 Girone B title with 44 points, securing promotion as champions. In , Matera struggled throughout the campaign, finishing 20th with 26 points from 38 matches (8 wins, 10 draws, 20 losses), resulting in relegation to Serie C1. This season marked a high point in the club's , with early promise giving way to a challenging fight against the drop, highlighting the difficulties of sustaining performance at the second tier. A significant cup honour was the 2009–10 Coppa Italia Serie D victory, which provided prestige and momentum for league promotion. Matera advanced through the tournament by defeating teams like Sant'Antonio Abate (2–0), progressing via a bracket that included regional qualifiers and national rounds, culminating in a two-legged final against : a 2–1 away win followed by a 1–0 home victory. This triumph, the club's first national cup, boosted lower-tier credibility and directly aided their qualification for the Serie D promotion playoffs, where they earned ascent to Lega Pro Seconda Divisione. Other key domestic achievements include promotions from Serie C levels and regional elite divisions. Matera earned promotion to Serie C in 1967–68 by topping the Serie D Girone H, and later to Serie C1 in 1977–78 via the league's restructuring. In lower tiers, the club secured the title in 2021–22, earning promotion to Serie D after a dominant season. Earlier Serie D successes featured championships in 1975–76 and 2013–14, both leading to Serie C promotions with 1st-place finishes. These accomplishments represent critical steps in Matera's repeated climbs through the pyramid. The following table summarizes key season-by-season highlights, focusing on promotions and relegations from 1933 to 2025, with positions and points where they establish context for major transitions:
SeasonLeaguePositionPointsNotes
1967–68Serie D Girone H1st-Promotion to Serie C
1975–76Serie D Girone H1st-Serie D champions; promotion to Serie C
1978–79Serie C1 Girone B1st44Champions; promotion to
1979–8020th26Relegation to Serie C1
2009–10Serie D Girone H9th-Coppa Italia Serie D winners; playoff promotion to Lega Pro Seconda Divisione
2013–14Serie D Girone H1st64Serie D champions; promotion to Serie C
2018–19Serie C Girone C19th-18Relegation (administrative)
2021–22Eccellenza 1st-Promotion to Serie D
2024–25Serie D Girone H6th49Final standings

International and regional competitions

FC Matera has not qualified for any UEFA-organized club competitions, such as the Europa League or League, reflecting its status as a lower-tier Italian club without major European exposure. The team's international activities have been confined to sporadic pre-season friendlies against clubs from neighboring countries, serving primarily to prepare for the domestic season rather than competitive goals. On the regional level, FC Matera and its predecessors have achieved success in Basilicata-specific tournaments during the amateur era. In the 1958–59 season, Libertas Matera secured the Campionato Lucano Dilettanti title, marking an early regional triumph in the then-Basilicata area. Similarly, in 1961–62, Libertas Matera won the Prima Categoria Lucana, further establishing local dominance in inter-regional amateur play. The club's youth academy has provided limited international exposure through participation in regional youth tournaments with cross-border elements, though no major global youth accolades have been recorded. In contemporary regional competitions, FC Matera remains active in the , the qualifying cup for higher amateur levels, with ongoing matches in the 2025–26 edition demonstrating continued local competitiveness.

References

  1. https://www.sofascore.com/team/football/matera/392768
  2. https://www.transfermarkt.us/fc-matera/startseite/verein/18950
  3. https://www.materacalcio.it/storia-del-calcio-a-matera/
  4. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/storia/1706-2015-16-s-s-matera-calcio-lega-pro.html
  5. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/storia/44-1978-79-foot-ball-club-matera.html
  6. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/storia/2302-2021-22-u-s-d-matera-grumentum-eccellenza-lucana.html
  7. https://www.archyde.com/football-serie-d-game-over-for-fc-matera-club-will-be-excluded-from-the-2025-2026-championship/
  8. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/storia/20-le-origini.html
  9. http://www.materacalcio.it/storia-del-calcio-a-matera/
  10. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/news/stagione-2018-19/2227-il-derby-di-basilicata-dal-1950-ad-oggi.html
  11. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/amarcord/mi-ritorni-in-mente/1989-le-partite-memorabili-lucchese-matera-1978-79.html
  12. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/storia/45-1979-80-foot-ball-club-matera.html
  13. http://calcio-seriea.net/partite/1979/2477/
  14. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/amarcord/mi-ritorni-in-mente/1926-le-partite-memorabili-matera-taranto-1979-80.html
  15. https://ilnobilecalcio.it/2024/04/14/matera-e-la-serie-b-un-anno-di-conoscenza-365-giorni-di-passione/
  16. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/storia/47-1981-82-foot-ball-club-matera.html
  17. https://articoli.nonsolofitness.it/item/3085-altre-realta-calcistiche-lucane-seconda-parte.html
  18. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/amarcord/mi-ritorni-in-mente/2301-il-calcio-a-matera-tutte-le-rifondazioni-e-le-fusioni-societarie.html
  19. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/storia/59-1990-91-matera-sport.html
  20. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/storia/67-1998-99-a-s-materasassi.html
  21. https://www.sassilive.it/sport/calcio/i-successi-piu-importanti-raggiunti-dal-matera-calcio-negli-anni/
  22. https://www.transfermarkt.us/jumplist/platzierungen/verein/18950
  23. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/storia/2429-2023-24-fc-matera-serie-d.html
  24. https://www.transfermarkt.us/ss-matera-calcio/mitarbeiter/verein/18950
  25. https://www.transfermarkt.us/francesco-di-gaetano/profil/trainer/42573
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TTT5ayPamA
  27. https://www.facebook.com/asdmatera/posts/-conferenza-stampa-biancoazzurra-domani-30-agosto-alle-ore-1145-presso-il-campo-/1611462276727957/
  28. https://www.transfermarkt.com/marco-ferri/profil/trainer/127439
  29. https://www.sassilive.it/sport/calcio/calcio-eccellenza-lucana-matera-citta-dei-sassi-direttore-generale-filippo-ragone-annuncia-le-dimissioni/
  30. http://en.comuni-italiani.it/077/014/stemma.html
  31. https://matera.italiani.it/scopricitta/matera-calcio-la-sua-storia-tra-alti-e-bassi/
  32. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/museo-virtuale/gadgets/682-loghi-e-gagliardetti.html
  33. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/news/stagione-2016-17/1892-nuovo-logo-del-matera-calcio-ieri-oggi-e-domani.html
  34. https://www.footballkitarchive.com/fc-matera-kits/
  35. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/hall-of-fame/553-franco-salerno.html
  36. https://giornalemio.it/sport/il-matera-con-un-grande-presidente100-anni-fa-nasceva-franco-salerno/
  37. https://www.sassilive.it/sport/calcio/benedetto-svela-i-debiti-del-matera/
  38. https://www.coni.it/it/news-attivita-istituzionali/collegio-di-garanzia/il-matera-calcio-ricorre-per-i-criteri-di-sostituzione-club-esclusi-dai-campionati-per-decisioni-giustizia-sportiva.html
  39. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/hall-of-fame/1878-storia-del-tifo-a-matera.html
  40. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/storia/2346-2022-23-fc-matera-serie-d.html
  41. https://www.antennasud.com/ufficiale-fc-matera-passaggio-completato-tosoni-nuovo-proprietario/
  42. https://www.sassilive.it/sport/calcio/calcio-serie-d-game-over-per-il-fc-matera-club-sara-escluso-dal-campionato-2025-2026/
  43. https://www.fcmatera.it/club/stadio
  44. https://www.sassilive.it/sport/calcio/lavori-in-corso-allo-stadio-xxi-settembre-franco-salerno-di-matera/
  45. https://ufficiostampabasilicata.it/2022/08/26/matera-al-via-i-lavori-di-manutenzione-straordinaria-dello-stadio-xxi-settembre/
  46. https://www.sassilive.it/cronaca/politica/riqualificazione-stadio-xxi-settembre-franco-salerno-di-matera-psi-matera-rigenerazione-sia-una-priorita/
  47. https://www.transfermarkt.it/fc-matera/stadion/verein/18950
  48. https://www.sassilive.it/economia/lavoro/parco-del-campo-stadio-xxi-settembre-franco-salerno-di-matera-societa-la-sia-trasmette-progetto-definitivo-esecutivo/
  49. https://www.materainsidenews.it/matera-il-comun-sul-ridimensionamento-della-capienza-dello-stadio-provvedimento-temporaneo-che-non-riguarda-il-nuovo-progetto-di-riqualificazione/
  50. https://www.sassilive.it/sport/calcio/lavori-parco-del-campo-stadio-xxi-settembre-franco-salerno-di-matera-dal-19-febbraio-2025-inibito-accesso-e-utilizzo-settori-curva-nord-e-gradinata-franco-mancini-per-demolizione-spalti/
  51. https://www.domenicobennardi.it/2025/02/24/partiti-i-lavori-allo-stadio-xxi-settembre-giornata-storica-per-matera/
  52. https://iltag.it/breaking-news/matera-riaperto-il-campo-sportivo-di-la-martella/
  53. https://www.trmtv.it/cronaca/2025_05_04/479258.html
  54. https://www.instagram.com/p/DLory_qoND-/
  55. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/news/stagione-2024-25/2581-matera-e-settore-giovanile-potenzialita-limiti-e-spunti-di-miglioramento.html
  56. https://www.sassilive.it/sport/calcio/calcio-serie-d-fc-matera-le-novita-nello-staff-tecnico-del-settore-giovanile/
  57. https://www.lnd.it/it/seried-news/news-serie-d/iscrizioni-al-campionato-serie-d-2025-2026-avezzano-castelnuovo-vomano-e-matera-non-hanno-presentato-ricorso
  58. https://www.transfermarkt.com/fc-matera/rekordspieler/verein/18950
  59. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/hall-of-fame.html
  60. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/hall-of-fame/1489-portiere-adriano-casiraghi.html
  61. https://www.transfermarkt.com/adriano-casiraghi/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/497266/saison/1979/wettbewerb/IT2
  62. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/hall-of-fame/1462-difensore-luigi-de-canio.html
  63. https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/luigi-de-canio/
  64. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/hall-of-fame/1499-attaccante-giovanni-picat-re.html
  65. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/hall-of-fame/1495-centrocampista-claudio-gambini.html
  66. https://www.sassilive.it/sport/calcio/calcio-materano-in-lutto-si-e-spento-il-centrocampista-del-fc-matera-pinuccio-galati/
  67. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/hall-of-fame/1628-difensore-nicola-loprieno.html
  68. https://www.fanpage.it/sport/calcio/nicola-loprieno-morto-per-la-sla-addio-allo-stopper-che-fece-grande-matera-e-lecce/
  69. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/hall-of-fame/1274-allenatore-fernando-veneranda.html
  70. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/hall-of-fame/1506-attaccante-dragutin-ristic.html
  71. https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/dragutin-ristic/163818
  72. https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe89389/francesco-mancini/
  73. https://www.gentlemanultra.com/2015/12/30/remembering-francesco-mancini/
  74. https://www.fcmatera.it/club/organigramma
  75. https://www.tuttocalciopuglia.com/serie-d/fc-matera-si-pensa-al-futuro-il-ds-primo-nodo-da-sciogliere-73304
  76. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=734827319304117&id=100083305654703&set=a.126448720141983
  77. https://www.transfermarkt.it/francesco-di-gaetano/profil/trainer/42573
  78. https://www.seried24.com/girone-h/francesco-di-gaetano-matera-allenatore-serie-d-2025/
  79. https://www.tuttocalciopuglia.com/serie-d/ufficiale-matera-marco-ferri-e-il-nuovo-allenatore-dei-biancazzurri-71589
  80. https://www.rainews.it/tgr/basilicata/articoli/2025/02/il-matera-esonera-alfio-torrisi-5120a685-53e8-40df-bf92-e67da5b49206.html
  81. https://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/eccellenza-lucana-ufficiale-il-ritiro-di-matera-citta-dei-sassi_104974018-202502k.shtml
  82. https://www.transfermarkt.it/fc-matera/erfolge/verein/18950
  83. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/museo-virtuale/gadgets/803-trofei.html
  84. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/storia/78-2009-10-football-club-matera.html
  85. https://www.transfermarkt.us/ss-matera-calcio/platzierungen/verein/18950
  86. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/storia/1282-1958-59-libertas-matera.html
  87. https://www.materacalciostory.it/index.php/storia/1283-1961-62-libertas-matera.html
  88. https://www.tuttocampo.it/Basilicata/Eccellenza/GironeCoppaItalia/Squadra/MateraSRL/1043432/Scheda
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.