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Novara FC
Novara FC
from Wikipedia

Novara Football Club, commonly referred to as Novara, is an Italian football club based in Novara, Piedmont.[1]

Key Information

The club was founded in 2021 by the City of Novara to replace old Novara Calcio that lost its professional status.

History

[edit]

In December 1908 the F.A.S. (Football Association Studenti) was created by eight students of Liceo Carlo Alberto, aged between 15 and 16 years; among them an engineer, Gianni Canestrini, and a lawyer, Piero Zorini. In Novara in those days, there were other small clubs like Voluntas, Pro Scalon, Ginnastica e Scherma, Forza & Speranza, Collegio Gallarini and many other student bodies. The best players from these teams came together to form Novara Calcio, and made their debut in the Italian league on 3 November 1912.

The first match was played against a team already then established as Torino, who won 2–1.

In the years between World War I and World War II, Novara challenged with Pro Vercelli, Alessandria and Casale to make the so-called "quadrilatero piemontese" (Piedmont Quadrilateral). Novara played a Coppa Italia final against Inter Milan in 1939.[2] Novara's highest finish came in 1952 when they finished in eighth place in Serie A.

Italy's and club's legend Silvio Piola spent 7 seasons with Novara in the post–World War II era

During these years of staying in the top flight, Novara had Silvio Piola to thank. His many goals (which at the end of his career was over 300), made a huge contribution to the cause of Novara. Following his death in 1996, the stadium at which Novara play was dedicated in his name.

In 1956 came relegation to Serie B, and another five years afterwards, they slipped down to Serie C due to a fraudulent complaint by a Sambenedettese player.

A few successful seasons in Serie B followed, but then Novara stumbled again in 1977 with relegation to Serie C and worse in 1981 to Serie C2. In the 1995–96 season, Novara were back in Serie C1, but this joy was short-lived as the following year, the biancoazzurri again had to deal with relegation.

Years were spent in the shadows of Italian football until more recently when the league was won in the 2002–03 season.

From Serie C1 to Serie A

[edit]

Consolidation in Serie C1 followed, later becoming Lega Pro Prima Divisione, until the historic promotion of the 2009–10 season where the club returned to Serie B after 33 years.[3]

On 12 June 2011, Novara remarkably secured its promotion to Serie A after a 55-year absence from the league, by defeating Padova in the play-off final.[4] Both consecutive promotions were achieved under the tenure of head coach Attilio Tesser, who was confirmed as Novara boss also for the following 2011–12 top flight campaign.

On 20 September 2011, the first home game in Serie A for 55 years, Novara recorded an historic 3–1 victory over Inter.[5]

This remarkable feat, however, was not representative of their season as Novara managed to win only one more game until the end of January, when it won again against Inter in San Siro. The manager Attilio Tesser was replaced by veteran coach Emiliano Mondonico and re-hired one month later in a desperate and ultimately vain attempt by the owners to save the club from relegation. The club was immediately relegated again to Serie B after one season. Novara finished 5th in 2012–13 season but were eliminated by Empoli in the promotion play-offs. The following season was terrible for Novara as the club finished 19th in Serie B and lost in a play-out against Varese, losing 4–2 on aggregate. Thus, Novara were relegated to Lega Pro. Novara were crowned as champions of Group A of Lega Pro in 2014–15 and immediately returned to Serie B. In their first season back in Serie B they finished in a playoff spot but they lost to eventual winners Pescara in the semifinal. The following season saw them finish outside the playoffs in 9th, 4 points from a playoff spot. The following season saw Novara get relegated back to Lega Pro following a 20th-place finish in the 2017–18 Serie B.

During the summer of 2021, Novara lost its professional status[6][7] and a phoenix club was founded in Serie D according to article 52 of FIGC's regulations NOIF.[8] They were promoted back to Serie C in May 2022, after finishing top of their group in Serie D.[9]

Current squad

[edit]
As of 5 September 2025[10]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  ITA Elia Boseggia
3 DF  GHA Sylvester Lartey
4 MF  ITA Mattia Malaspina
5 DF  ITA Davide Bertoncini
6 DF  ITA Alessandro Citi
7 FW  ITA Eric Lanini
8 MF  ITA Leonardo Di Cosmo
9 FW  ITA Thomas Alberti
10 FW  ITA Christian Donadio
11 MF  ITA Nicolò Ledonne
12 GK  ITA Mattia Rossetti
15 DF  MAR Omar Khailoti
16 GK  ITA Matteo Raffaelli (on loan from Ascoli)
17 MF  GER Davide Dell'Erba
19 MF  ITA Riccardo Collodel
No. Pos. Nation Player
20 FW  ITA Marco Da Graca
21 MF  ITA Roberto Ranieri
23 FW  ITA Leonardo Morosini
24 DF  ITA Luca Ghiringhelli
26 DF  ITA Filippo Lorenzini
27 DF  ITA Gracien Deseri
28 DF  ITA Adrian Cannavaro
36 MF  ITA Riccardo Arboscello
65 MF  ITA Alessandro Cortese
70 DF  ITA Andrea Valdesi
71 DF  ITA Leonardo D'Alessio
72 DF  ITA Giuseppe Agyemang
77 FW  ITA Raffaele Sibilio
90 FW  ITA Giovanni Perini (on loan from Cesena)
99 MF  ITA Gianmarco Basso

Other players under contract

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
FW  ESP Raúl Asencio
FW  ITA Francesco Attanasio

Out on loan

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
DF  ITA Nicola Camolese (at Dekani until 30 June 2026)

Notable players

[edit]

The following is a provisional list of players that played internationally or for European top clubs, sorted by nationality.

Silvio Piola
Giovanni Lodetti
Simone Inzaghi
Bruno Fernandes

Managers

[edit]

Honours

[edit]

Divisional movements

[edit]
Series Years Last Promotions Relegations
A 13 2011–12 - Decrease 5 (1929, 1937, 1941, 1956, 2012)
B 34 2015–16 Increase 5 (1927, 1936, 1938, 1948, 2011) Decrease 5 (1962, 1968, 1977, 2014, 2018)
C
+C2
21
+21
2020–21 Increase 4 (1965, 1970, 2010, 2015)
Increase 2 (1996 C2, 2003 C2)
Decrease 3 (1981 C1, 1997 C1, 2021✟)

89 out of 90 years of professional football in Italy since 1929
D 1 2021–22 - -

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Novara Football Club, commonly known as Novara FC, is a professional association football club based in , , , that competes in Serie C, the third tier of the . The club serves as the successor to the historic Novara Calcio and plays its home matches at the Stadio , a venue with a capacity of 17,875 spectators. Known by the nickname Gli Azzurri (The Blues), Novara FC's team colors are sky blue and white. Established in the summer of 2021 by the Municipality of following the exclusion of the previous club, Novara Calcio, from professional football due to severe financial and administrative issues, Novara FC was admitted directly into Serie D, the fourth tier. In its inaugural 2021–22 season, the club demonstrated rapid resurgence by topping Serie D Group A and securing promotion to Serie C through the . Since then, Novara FC has established itself in the professional ranks, focusing on youth development and competitive stability in Serie C Group A, with ongoing participation in regional youth competitions like Primavera 4. The club's heritage traces back to the original Calcio, founded on 22 December 1908 by a group of local students, which competed for over a century in Italian football and achieved notable success, including three titles (1926–27, 1937–38, and 1947–48), as well as back-to-back promotions from Serie C1 to in 2010 and 2011 under coach Attilio Tesser. Despite periods of decline, including relegations and financial struggles leading to the 2021 refounding, the Novara franchise has spent nearly 90 seasons in professional Italian football since 1929, fostering a passionate local fanbase centered around the city's industrial and cultural identity.

History

Early history (1908–1951)

Novara Football Club traces its origins to 22 December 1908, when it was established as Football Association Studenti (F.A.S.) Novara by a group of young students affiliated with the Voluntas Catholic sports association in , . The club began as an amateur outfit, competing in local and regional Piedmontese leagues during its formative years, where it gradually built a reputation among emerging football teams in . In 1911, the club reorganized and adopted the name Foot Ball Club , reflecting its growing structure. By 1920, it merged with Unione Sportiva Novarese to form Foot Ball Atletico , a union that strengthened its position in regional competitions; this was later simplified to Associazione Calcio in 1931. The pre-World War II era marked significant progress, with earning promotion to the Divisione Nazionale—the precursor to national leagues—in the 1926–27 season, representing its initial foray into top-tier Italian football. Further achievements followed, as the club won in 1935–36 to secure its first ascent to , only to suffer relegation before reclaiming promotion as champions in 1937–38. World War II severely disrupted operations, leading to a suspension of competitive play from 1940 to 1945, including no matches in the 1944–45 season amid Italy's wartime turmoil. Post-war revival proved resilient, with the club returning to structured competition and clinching the title in the 1947–48 season to earn promotion to after a seven-year absence from the elite division. This success was bolstered by the arrival of legendary forward in 1947, whose contributions helped solidify Novara's return to the top flight.

Serie A and initial decline (1951–2007)

Novara FC entered the 1951–52 Serie A season, finishing in 8th place with 37 points from 38 matches, marking a solid performance in their top-flight campaign. The team was led by legendary striker Silvio Piola, who scored 19 goals in 37 appearances during his final professional season, contributing significantly to the club's mid-table stability. Novara maintained their status for the next four seasons, achieving finishes of 11th (1952–53), 14th (1953–54), and 16th (1954–55), before suffering relegation in 1955–56 after ending 17th with 28 points. Upon dropping to in 1956–57, initially showed promise by securing 6th place, but the club experienced yo-yo fluctuations between the second and third tiers over the following decade. They stabilized in through the late 1950s and early 1960s, with placements including 11th (1957–58), 10th (1958–59), and 13th (1959–60), before relegation to Serie C in 1960–61 after finishing 18th and incurring a six-point penalty deduction due to a fraudulent from a Sambenedettese player. In Serie C, won promotion back to as champions of Girone A in 1964–65, only to be relegated again in 1967–68 after a last-place 20th finish. Another Serie C title in Girone A followed in 1969–70, returning them to where they remained until the mid-1970s. The 1970s brought mounting financial pressures that exacerbated on-field struggles, culminating in Serie B relegation in 1976–77 after a bottom-of-the-table 20th place finish. These issues led to further demotion to Serie C2 in 1980–81, marking the club's lowest competitive level at the time amid ongoing economic challenges that threatened stability. Novara spent much of the 1980s and oscillating between Serie C1 and C2, with intermittent promotions like returning to Serie C1 in 1995–96, only to face immediate relegation the following year. By the early 2000s, persistent difficulties persisted, highlighted by the 2001–02 season in Serie C2 Girone A where finished 3rd but suffered effective relegation after losing in the promotion play-offs, underscoring a prolonged period of decline. Long-serving figures such as defender Giancarlo Bercellino, whose family had deep ties to the club through his father's earlier stints, exemplified the amid these challenges, though the era was defined more by survival than success. Presidents like Enrico Pinzan provided continuity during the turbulent and , navigating near-bankruptcy scares around 1980 to keep the club afloat.

Revival and promotion to Serie A (2007–2011)

In 2007, local entrepreneur Carlo Accornero assumed the role of president at Novara Calcio, marking a pivotal shift in the club's fortunes after years of stagnation in the lower divisions. Accornero's leadership brought significant financial investment, enabling a comprehensive squad overhaul that focused on blending experienced players with emerging talents to build a competitive team. This influx of resources stabilized the club's operations and laid the groundwork for a structured revival, emphasizing youth development and tactical discipline. Under the guidance of coach Attilio Tesser, appointed in the summer of 2009, Novara secured promotion from Lega Pro Prima Divisione (formerly Serie C1) to at the end of the 2009–10 season. The team clinched the Girone A title with 67 points, highlighted by a dramatic 3–3 draw against Cremonese on 25 April 2010 that confirmed their ascent after 33 years in the third tier. In their debut campaign the following year (2010–11), Tesser led Novara to a third-place finish with 70 points, including a remarkable run of five consecutive victories early in the season that propelled them to the top of the table. This positioned them for the promotion play-offs, where they overcame in the semi-finals (aggregate 3–2) and defeated Padova 2–0 in the final on 30 May 2011, earning a return to after 55 years—their last appearance had been the 1955–56 season. Novara's 2011–12 Serie A stint, still under Tesser initially before a mid-season switch to Emiliano Mondonico and later Attilio Tesser again, showcased their resilience as newcomers against established giants. A standout moment came on 20 September 2011, when they stunned with a 3–1 home victory at Stadio , thanks to goals from Roberto Meggiorini, Luca Rigoni, and Andrea Mazzarani, marking Inter's third defeat in four league games and contributing to a managerial change at the Nerazzurri. Despite such highlights, Novara battled throughout the season, finishing 19th and suffering relegation on 13 May 2012 after a 0–2 loss to Chievo . Central to their success were forwards like , who topped the team's scoring charts with 18 goals in the prior year, and Gonzalo González, forming a potent "twin strike" partnership that netted 34 goals combined during the promotion push.

Relegations and bankruptcy (2011–2021)

Following their promotion to in 2011, Novara experienced an immediate return to the second tier after finishing 19th in the 2011–12 season with a record of 7 wins, 11 draws, and 20 losses. The club's fortunes continued to fluctuate in , where they finished fifth in 2012–13 but were eliminated by in the promotion play-offs. The 2013–14 campaign proved disastrous, ending in 20th place under coach Alessandro Calori, resulting in relegation to Serie C after a 4–2 aggregate play-out loss to . Novara swiftly earned promotion back to by winning the 2014–15 Serie C Group A title with 80 points from 38 matches, also claiming the Supercoppa di Serie C that year by defeating Bassano Virtus 2–0. However, stability eluded them; they survived the 2015–16 play-out but were relegated again in 2016–17 after finishing 17th and losing 2–1 on aggregate to Spezia in the play-out. Ownership under the De Salvo family, which had guided the club since , began showing signs of strain amid mounting financial pressures, though the sale to local entrepreneur Maurizio Rullo did not occur until 2019. In Serie C during the 2017–18 and 2018–19 seasons, Novara finished ninth and sixth respectively, but recurring financial penalties for irregularities hampered progress, including points deductions that affected standings. The situation deteriorated further under subsequent ownership changes, with the club sold to Leonardo Pavanati in May 2021 amid debts surpassing €6 million. This led to the FIGC's Co.Vi.So.C. rejecting their Serie C license in early July 2021 due to unresolved financial issues, followed by the Federal Council's confirmation of exclusion on July 15, 2021, expelling the club from professional football and forcing them into Serie D for the 2021–22 season. The original Novara Calcio entity was effectively dissolved as a result, marking the end of over a century of professional status after a 2020–21 Serie D campaign marred by administrative chaos.

Refounding and Serie C return (2021–present)

Following the bankruptcy of the previous incarnation of the club in 2021, Football Club was established by the City of on 20 August 2021 and admitted directly to Serie D Group A. In their inaugural 2021–22 season, the club demonstrated rapid resurgence by topping Serie D Group A with a 25–10–3 record, earning direct promotion to Serie C as group winners. In 2022–23, their first Serie C season, Novara finished 14th in Group A with 44 points from 38 matches (11 wins, 11 draws, 16 losses), safely avoiding relegation. In 2023–24, Novara finished 17th in Group A with 43 points from 38 matches, surviving the relegation play-outs to maintain Serie C status. Ownership transitioned to the Boveri family in 2024, acquiring a controlling stake by November 2024, who prioritized youth academy investments alongside sustainable budgeting to ensure long-term viability. In the 2024–25 season, the club competed in Serie C Group A, focusing on defensive stability and youth integration amid financial prudence. By the 2025–26 season, under manager Andrea Zanchetta, appointed in July 2025, Novara maintained Serie C status while building on prior gains, with an emphasis on tactical discipline and squad depth. As of November 2025, average home attendance stood at approximately 2,076 spectators per match, reflecting ongoing community engagement at Stadio Silvio Piola.

Club identity and facilities

Colours, badge, and kits

Novara FC's traditional colours are blue and white, a combination that has defined the club's visual identity since its founding in 1908. The home kit features vertical blue-and-white stripes, symbolizing the club's deep ties to the Piedmontese region. The club's badge has evolved over its history while consistently incorporating the coat of arms of Novara in the club's signature blue hue. Early designs from the 1920s to the 1970s maintained a classic circular form with heraldic elements, transitioning to more streamlined versions in the 1980s and 1990s. In 2003, Novara adopted a modern shield-shaped emblem that persisted until the club's refounding, after which a refreshed logo was introduced in 2021 to reflect the new era as Novara FC. Kit suppliers have varied throughout the club's timeline, with serving as the current provider since 2021, responsible for designs emphasizing the blue-and-white palette. Previous manufacturers include from 2011 to 2018, Nike from 2006 to 2010, and Sportika in the early 2000s and 2010–2011. Away kits traditionally use a white base accented with blue, as seen in the 2023–2024 version featuring a vertical stripe depicting the Dome of San Gaudenzio, a prominent landmark. Third kits introduce variety, such as the 2023–2024 edition patterned after the cathedral dome and the 2025–2026 black kit with hand-drawn blue-and-red cross graphics selected via fan vote.

Stadio Silvio Piola

The Stadio Silvio Piola serves as the home ground for , situated in , , on the southwestern edge of the city near the Agogna River. Constructed in the 1970s, the stadium broke ground in 1971 and officially opened on 23 November 1975, initially operating under names such as Stadio Comunale or Viale Kennedy after the adjacent street. It replaced the club's previous venue, the Stadio Enrico Patti, which had been in use since 1931. In 1997, following the death of —the Italian national team's all-time leading scorer and a former Novara player from 1934 to 1943—the stadium was renamed in his honor to commemorate his contributions to the club and Italian football. With a current capacity of 17,875 all-seater spectators, the venue became fully seated during extensive renovations in the 2010–2011 period, coinciding with Novara's promotion to . These upgrades included the installation of synthetic grass on the main pitch—measuring 105 by 68 meters and the first such surface for a professional Italian club—as well as enhancements to seating, barriers, and overall infrastructure to meet league safety standards. Floodlighting supports night games, enabling matches under artificial light, while the surrounding sports complex features adjacent training fields, including multiple pitches for team practice. Further modifications in 2018 focused on the main stand, adding VIP seating and reinforcing the synthetic turf system. Since 's refounding in 2021 by the City of to succeed the bankrupt predecessor club and restore professional status in , the has been under municipal management, ensuring ongoing maintenance and compliance. Post-refounding safety enhancements in 2022 addressed requirements for lower-division play, including updated emergency systems and structural checks. The venue's record attendance stands at 16,328, achieved during a 2011 home match against Napoli, while typical crowds in recent seasons average around 2,000 per game as of the 2024–25 season, reflecting the club's current competitive level.

Supporters and rivalries

Supporters and fan culture

Novara FC's supporter base is predominantly composed of local residents from the Piedmont region, particularly the city of Novara and surrounding areas, reflecting the club's deep roots in the community. The ultras culture at Novara FC centers on the historic Curva Nord, which has been a focal point for organized fan support since the 1970s. The first notable ultras group, Commandos Club, emerged in the late 1960s during a period of youth contestation and provided vocal backing during the club's Serie B campaigns, including a memorable 1976 away trip to Varese with over 2,000 fans. In the early 1980s, Brigate Biancazzurre was founded around 1980 in the wake of a 1978 relegation, active for approximately three seasons and emphasizing coordinated displays. These groups are renowned for their elaborate choreographies, such as banner displays and tifos, which enhance the atmosphere at Stadio Silvio Piola. Later iterations, like the Legione ultras established in 1983 and active until 1998, continued this tradition, supporting the team through lower-division struggles and play-off pushes with full curva occupancy. Fan traditions include pre-match marches from the city center to the stadium, fostering a sense of communal pilgrimage, and persistent chants celebrating key victories, such as the memorable 3-1 upset over in September 2011, which drew 16,000 spectators and remains a of lore. Attendance trends highlight the passion's peaks and troughs: figures reached a high of 16,000 during the season, with a home average of approximately 11,000 across 19 matches, but averaged 1,919 per home game in the 2024–25 Serie C season; as of November 2025, the 2025–26 season average stands at 2,226 after four home matches. Fan behaviors are occasionally shaped by regional rivalries, adding intensity to local derbies without overshadowing the overall loyal and welcoming culture.

Rivalries and derbies

Novara FC's most prominent rivalry is the Derby Piemontese with US Alessandria 1912, a fixture rooted in the regional pride of and dating back to the early as part of the historic "Quadrilatero piemontese"—a group of four clubs including , Alessandria, Pro Vercelli, and that dominated Italian football in the pre-World War I era. The two sides have contested numerous matches across various divisions since the , with head-to-head records showing closely contested encounters; for instance, in recent Serie C clashes, Novara secured a 1-0 victory in January 2024, while a 0-0 draw occurred in September 2023. Another key Piedmontese derby for Novara is the Rice Derby against FC Pro Vercelli 1892, fueled by geographic proximity—just 30 kilometers apart in the rice-growing plains of northern Italy—and a shared history within the Quadrilatero framework. The rivalry has produced around 20 competitive meetings in modern times, with Pro Vercelli holding a slight edge (8 wins to Novara's 6, plus 6 draws), though the matches remain intensely competitive in Serie C; for example, Pro Vercelli won 1–0 in the September 2025 fixture. During Novara's brief stint in from 2011 to 2012, inter-city tensions emerged with major Milan clubs and , highlighted by a memorable 3-1 upset victory over Inter on September 20, 2011, at Stadio , where goals from Meggiorini, Rigoni (twice), and a late penalty sealed the win against the defending champions. Novara faced twice that season, losing 0-3 at home and 1-2 away, but the Inter triumph underscored the underdog spirit against powerhouses. In recent Serie C campaigns, has engaged in friendly yet competitive regional encounters with Lombardy-based clubs and , reflecting cross-border Piedmont-Lombardy dynamics without escalating to full derbies; for example, drew 1-1 with Como in 2021 and faced in lower-league fixtures during the . Supporter groups like 's Ultras Novara amplify the electric atmosphere in these derbies through choreographed displays and chants.

Management and staff

Presidents and ownership

Novara Football Club, originally founded in 1908 as an amateur outfit, saw its early administrative leadership focused on grassroots development and local infrastructure. Guido Beldì served as an initial president around , notably donating the via Lombroso field that hosted the club's debut match against Torino on November 3, 1912, which helped establish a stable base for amateur growth in the region. The club's modern era began with significant ownership changes in the mid-2000s. In 2006, the De Salvo family, owners of a network of private hospitals, acquired Novara Calcio and invested in facilities like the Novarello training center, laying the groundwork for competitive resurgence. Under their stewardship, Massimo De Salvo acted as president, overseeing back-to-back promotions from Serie C1 to by 2011. During this period, from 2007 to 2015, Carlo Accornero held the presidency, managing the club's ascent including the 2010–11 title win and Serie A entry after 55 years, while also serving on Serie B league councils to enhance administrative stability. Following relegations from Serie A in 2012 and subsequent drops, ownership remained with the De Salvo family alongside figures like Leonardo Pavanati, but financial strains mounted. By 2019–20, the Rullo family took control, yet issues persisted, culminating in president Marcello Cianci's 2021 resignation amid a cash scandal involving unexplained funds. Maurizio Rullo, as the 2021 owner, financed the acquisition through illicit means, leading to his 2023 arrest and the club's bankruptcy declaration on January 10, 2023, after failed professional registration in 2021. This instability forced the original Novara Calcio's dissolution. In response, the City of Novara founded Novara FC in August 2021 under FIGC Article 52 to preserve professional status, starting in Serie D. Massimo quickly acquired ownership that summer, leading the refounded club to immediate promotion to Serie C in 2021–22 through playoff success, restoring competitive footing with ethical management emphasized. sold 100% of shares in 2023 to a including Pietro Lo Monaco and Marco La Rosa, who became president and guided mid-table Serie C stability. La Rosa resigned in early 2025, prompting the Boveri family to acquire 75% of shares in February 2025, with BF S.r.l. as the holding entity. Fabio Boveri was appointed president in March 2025, assuming full operational leadership alongside brother as , focusing on sustainable growth and long-term infrastructure amid Serie C competition. This shift marked a new emphasis on family-led stability, building on prior promotions while addressing past financial pitfalls.

Head coaches

Novara FC has had over 70 head coaches since its founding in , reflecting the club's long history of fluctuating fortunes across Italian football divisions. The role of managers has been pivotal in periods of promotion and stability, with tenures varying from brief stints amid crises to longer spells that delivered success. Early coaches like Giuseppe Milano laid the foundations in the , managing 54 matches during a five-year period that helped establish the club in the regional leagues. In the , figures such as Evaristo Barrera provided stability during Novara's campaigns, overseeing 34 matches with a points per match (PPM) average of 1.15 in the 1957-58 season. The longest-serving manager was Carlo Parola, who held the position from 1969 to 1974, managing over 180 games and contributing to the club's mid-table consistency in during a era of relative calm. The revival in the late came under Attilio Tesser, who took charge in June 2009 and led the team for nearly three years until January 2012. Under Tesser, Novara achieved consecutive promotions, culminating in the 2010-11 title and ascent to , marked by an impressive unbeaten run across 47 matches that showcased defensive solidity and tactical discipline. His tenure averaged 1.76 PPM over 108 matches, highlighting his impact on team performance. The period of decline from 2011 to 2021 saw frequent managerial changes due to financial instability and relegations, with over 20 coaches in a decade, many lasting less than a season. Examples include short stints by Giacomo Gattuso (multiple roles between 2004 and 2023, including 2012-13 and 2023-25) and Alfredo Aglietti (2012-14 amid struggles), reflecting the club's turbulent governance and on-field results. This era ended with in 2021, leading to refounding in Serie D. Following refounding, the club stabilized with Marco Marchionni's appointment in September 2021, who guided Novara to the Serie D Group A title in his first season, securing promotion to Serie C in May 2022 with a dominant 2.14 PPM over 44 matches. Subsequent managers like (interim roles in 2018-19 but influential in early recovery planning) helped build momentum. Giacomo Gattuso managed from October 2023 to March 2025, followed by a brief stint under Giuseppe from to June 2025. The current head coach, Andrea Zanchetta, appointed in July 2025, employs a tactical 4-3-3 formation focused on attacking play and youth integration, averaging approximately 1.15 PPM in his initial 13 matches as of November 18, 2025. Zanchetta's approach emphasizes high pressing and width, aiming to consolidate Serie C status.
ManagerTenureKey ContributionPPMMatches
Giuseppe Milano1924–1929Foundational stabilityN/A54
Evaristo Barrera1956–1958Serie A maintenance1.1534
Carlo Parola1969–1974Longest tenure, Serie B consistencyN/A182+
Attilio Tesser2009–2012Serie B title, Serie A promotion1.76108
2021–2022Serie D title, Serie C promotion2.1444
Giuseppe Mascara2025Transitional role in Serie CN/A~12
Andrea Zanchetta2025–presentTactical rebuild in Serie C1.1513

Squad

Current first-team squad

As of November 2025, Novara FC's first-team squad for the 2025–26 Serie C Group A season comprises 30 players, with an average age of 24.2 years and only three foreigners. The roster emphasizes a balance between seasoned professionals and emerging talents, focusing on defensive solidity and creative midfield play.

Goalkeepers

The goalkeeping department is led by 21-year-old Elia Boseggia, who holds a contract until 2027, backed by 20-year-old Raffaelli (contract to 2026) and 17-year-old prospect Mattia Rossetti.

Defenders

The defensive line features experienced centre-backs Davide Bertoncini (34 years old, contract to 2026) and Filippo Lorenzini (30, contract to 2026) as the central pairing, with younger options like 21-year-old Adrian Cannavaro (to 2026) and 24-year-old Omar Khailoti (to 2027). Full-backs include left-sided Giuseppe Agyemang (23, to 2026) and Sylvester Lartey (20), alongside right-backs Luca Ghiringhelli (33, to 2026), Gracien Deseri (19, to 2027), and Andrea Valdesi (21, to 2028). Recent addition Alessandro Citi (22, centre-back) joined on a free transfer from in summer 2025. Additional defenders include Leonardo D'Alessio (21, to 2027).

Midfielders

Midfield duties are handled by defensive options like 26-year-old Gianmarco Basso (to 2026) and 20-year-old Mattia Malaspina (to 2027), with central creators including 28-year-old Roberto Ranieri (to 2027), 27-year-old Leonardo Di Cosmo (to 2027), and 30-year-old Leonardo Morosini (to 2026). Attacking feature 21-year-old Nicolò Ledonne (to 2027) and 20-year-old Raffaele Sibilio (to 2026). Summer signing Davide Dell'Erba (21, central , to 2028) arrived from his previous club to bolster the engine room. Other include Riccardo Arboscello (19, to 2028), Riccardo Collodel (27, to 2027), and Alessandro Cortese (18).

Forwards

Up front, 31-year-old Eric Lanini anchors the centre-forward role (contract to 2027), supported by 23-year-old Cosimo da Graça (to 2027), who has emerged as the top scorer with 2 goals in the early 2025–26 campaign. Other options include 24-year-old left winger Christian Donadio (to 2027) and 27-year-old Thomas Alberti (to 2027). Additional forward is Giovanni Perini (20).
PositionPlayerAgeNationalityContract Expiry
GKElia Boseggia212027
GKMatteo Raffaelli202026
GKMattia Rossetti17-
DFDavide Bertoncini342026
DFFilippo Lorenzini302026
DFOmar Khailoti24Morocco/2027
DFAdrian Cannavaro212026
DFGiuseppe Agyemang23/Ghana2026
DFSylvester Lartey20Ghana/-
DFLuca Ghiringhelli332026
DFGracien Deseri19/DR Congo2027
DFAndrea Valdesi212028
DFAlessandro Citi222029
DFLeonardo D'Alessio212027
MFGianmarco Basso262026
MFRoberto Ranieri282027
MFLeonardo Morosini302026
MFLeonardo Di Cosmo272027
MFDavide Dell'Erba21Germany/2028
MFMattia Malaspina202027
MFNicolò Ledonne212027
MFRaffaele Sibilio202026
MFRiccardo Arboscello192028
MFRiccardo Collodel272027
MFAlessandro Cortese18-
FWEric Lanini312027
FWCosimo da Graça23/2027
FWChristian Donadio242027
FWThomas Alberti272027
FWGiovanni Perini20-
No major loans out have occurred as of November 2025, allowing the squad to maintain depth.

Notable former players

Novara FC has been home to several legendary figures in Italian football, particularly during its periods in . Among them, stands out as the club's most iconic former player, joining Novara in 1947 after stints at Pro Vercelli and Juventus, and remaining until 1954. During this time, he netted 70 goals in 155 matches, providing crucial firepower that helped maintain the club's top-flight status amid post-war challenges. Piola's contributions extended beyond club level; he was a cornerstone of the national team, scoring 30 goals in 34 international appearances, including key strikes in the triumph. In more recent decades, emerged as a pivotal forward during Novara's ascent through the divisions. From 2009 to 2011, he featured in 74 matches for the club, scoring 23 goals and playing a starring role in the 2010–11 promotion campaign to as champions of the second tier. His clinical finishing, including a career-high 17 goals that season, was instrumental in the team's attacking style under coach , marking one of Novara's most successful eras in modern times. Nicolas Viola also left a mark in the 2010s as a creative midfielder, joining Novara in 2015 and contributing to their Serie B campaigns through 2017 with 64 appearances and 7 goals overall. He was particularly noted for his role in the 2016–17 play-offs, where he made 5 appearances and provided 1 assist, helping the team reach the promotion/relegation final against Parma despite ultimately falling short. The club's recognition of notable former players often centers on those with over 100 appearances or significant contributions to promotions and top-flight survival, as seen in historical records of long-serving contributors like Ambrogio Baira (355 appearances) and Giovanni Udovicich (over 300 matches). These figures embody Novara's tradition of nurturing talent that impacts both club and national scenes.

Achievements

League titles

Novara FC, tracing its lineage to the original club founded in , has secured nine domestic league titles across Italy's and semi- divisions. These victories highlight periods of success, particularly in the mid-20th century with promotions to the top flight, and more recently following the club's refoundation in after financial difficulties led to the exclusion of the previous entity from football. The titles span from the pre-war era to the present, demonstrating resilience and competitive prowess at varying levels. The club's triumphs occurred during the 1930s and 1940s, marking its golden age with three championships that elevated it to multiple times. In the 1935–36 season, finished atop the league with 48 points, tying with Lucchese and earning promotion. They repeated as champions in 1937–38, securing 43 points and advancing after a playoff victory over . The final title came in 1947–48, with 46 points in Group A, again resulting in promotion. These successes under coaches like Gipo Viani established as a competitive force in Italian football during that era. At the third tier, now known as Serie C or Lega Pro Prima Divisione, has claimed four titles, often accompanied by promotions to . The 1964–65 season saw them win Girone A with 62 points and a +24 . Five years later, in 1969–70, they topped the same group with 57 points and +29 under coach Carlo Regalia. More contemporarily, the 2009–10 campaign delivered the championship in Serie C1 Girone A with 67 points and +28 , led by coach Stefano De Angelis, securing promotion. In 2014–15, again dominated Lega Pro Girone A, finishing first with 74 points and +28 to return to . Novara's sole Serie C2 (now Lega Pro Seconda Divisione) title arrived in the 1995–96 season, when they won Girone A with 67 points and a +22 goal difference, earning promotion to the third tier under the guidance of coach Oscar Dertoni. Following the 2021 refoundation, the new Novara FC began in Serie D and swiftly reclaimed prominence by winning the 2021–22 Girone A title with an impressive 85 points and +48 goal difference, coached by William Viali, which promoted them back to Serie C. This marked the club's most recent league championship as of 2025.
LeagueTitlesSeasonsKey Details
31935–36, 1937–38, 1947–48All with promotion to ; points: 48, 43, 46 respectively
Serie C / Lega Pro Prima Divisione41964–65, 1969–70, 2009–10, 2014–15All Girone A winners with promotion (except if already higher); points: 62 (+24 GD), 57 (+29 GD), 67 (+28 GD), 74 (+28 GD)
Serie C2 / Lega Pro Seconda Divisione11995–96Girone A winner with promotion; 67 points (+22 GD)
Serie D12021–22Girone A winner with promotion to Serie C; 85 points (+48 GD)

Cup titles

Novara FC has achieved success in lower-division cup competitions, primarily through victories in the Supercoppa di Serie C (formerly Supercoppa di Lega Pro), a match or tournament contested by the group winners of Serie C. The club has secured this title twice, highlighting its competitive edge in the third tier during the late 2000s and early 2010s. In the 2009–10 edition, Novara triumphed over Portogruaro Summaga in a two-legged final, winning 3–1 away and losing 2–3 at home for an aggregate score of 5–4. The decisive goals in the second leg at Stadio came from the team's defensive efforts, with Carlalberto scoring early, though Portogruaro mounted a comeback before Novara held on for the trophy under coach Attilio Tesser. The 2014–15 Supercoppa di Lega Pro featured a triangular format involving the three group winners: (Group A), Teramo (Group B), and Salernitana (Group C). finished atop the standings with four points from a 3–2 win over Salernitana and a 1–1 draw against Teramo, clinching the title without needing a final match. This success came shortly after their Serie C promotion, emphasizing the club's resurgence in football. Novara has no titles in the senior Coppa Italia, with their deepest run reaching the round of 16 in the 2011–12 season during their Serie A stint, where they were eliminated by Catania. In the Coppa Italia Serie C, the club has not claimed the trophy, though it has participated in recent editions following relegations to the third tier. Regional honors, such as early 20th-century Piedmont competitions, contributed to the club's formative successes in the 1920s and 1930s, but detailed cup-specific wins from that era remain limited in records; more recently, the 2021–22 promotion from Serie D included no verified regional cup triumph. Overall, these achievements underscore Novara's emphasis on lower-division knockout success rather than national senior cups.

Historical statistics

Divisional movements

Novara FC has participated in Italian professional and semi-professional football leagues for over 100 seasons since the , achieving its highest level in for a total of 6 seasons between 1936–41 and 1948–56. The club's history includes multiple promotions and relegations, with extended periods in (1939–51 and 1956–91, intermittently) and Serie C (1991–2007 and 2022–present).
SeasonDivisionTierPositionPointsNotes
1921/22Divisione Nazionale1st2nd32
1922/23Divisione Nazionale1st12th25
1923/24Divisione Nazionale1st11th12
1924/25Divisione Nazionale1st7th22
1925/26Divisione Nazionale1st9th18
1928/29Divisione Nazionale1st12th23
1929/302nd9th36
1930/312nd8th38
1931/322nd14th30
1932/332nd5th35
1933/342nd4th28
1935/362nd2nd48Promoted
1936/371st15th21Relegated
1937/382nd1st43Promoted
1938/391st12th26
1939/401st9th27
1940/411st15th27Relegated
1941/422nd9th36
1942/432nd16th25
1946/472nd5th48
1947/482nd1st46Promoted
1948/491st16th31
1949/501st18th31Relegated
1950/511st12th33
1951/521st8th39
1952/531st11th31
1953/541st14th27
1954/551st16th28
1955/561st17th26Relegated
1956/572nd6th36
1957/582nd12th30
1958/592nd11th38
1959/602nd13th35
1960/612nd18th33Relegated
1961/62Serie C - Girone A3rd11th36
1962/63Serie C - Girone A3rd17th10
1963/64Serie C - Girone A3rd5th45
1964/65Serie C - Girone A3rd1st62Promoted
1965/662nd10th36
1966/672nd14th36
1967/682nd20th35Relegated
1968/69Serie C - Girone A3rd8th52
1969/70Serie C - Girone A3rd1st57Promoted
1970/712nd11th37
1971/722nd14th36
1972/732nd9th38
1973/742nd8th38
1974/752nd15th35
1975/762nd6th41
1976/772nd20th29Relegated
1977/78Serie C - Girone A3rd5th42
1978/79Serie C - Girone A3rd5th40
1979/80Serie C - Girone A3rd13th30
1980/81Serie C - Girone A3rd16th24Relegated
1981/82Lega Pro Seconda Divisione - Girone A4th3rd42
1982/83Lega Pro Seconda Divisione - Girone B4th4th41
1983/84Lega Pro Seconda Divisione - Girone B4th5th41
1984/85Lega Pro Seconda Divisione - Girone B4th5th37
1985/86Lega Pro Seconda Divisione - Girone B4th8th34
1986/87Lega Pro Seconda Divisione - Girone A4th3rd46
1987/88Lega Pro Seconda Divisione - Girone B4th12th30
1988/89Lega Pro Seconda Divisione - Girone B4th4th40
1989/90Lega Pro Seconda Divisione - Girone A4th16th30
1990/91Lega Pro Seconda Divisione - Girone A4th6th35
1991/92Lega Pro Seconda Divisione - Girone A4th11th37
1992/93Lega Pro Seconda Divisione - Girone A4th4th40
1993/94Lega Pro Seconda Divisione - Girone A4th5th39
1994/95Lega Pro Seconda Divisione - Girone A4th3rd55
1995/96Lega Pro Seconda Divisione - Girone A4th1st67Promoted
1996/97Serie C - Girone A3rd17th31Relegated
1997/98Lega Pro Seconda Divisione - Girone A4th12th40
1998/99Lega Pro Seconda Divisione - Girone A4th15th36
1999/00Lega Pro Seconda Divisione - Girone A4th15th33
2000/01Lega Pro Seconda Divisione - Girone A4th16th28
2001/02Lega Pro Seconda Divisione - Girone A4th16th28
2002/03Lega Pro Seconda Divisione - Girone A4th2nd60Promoted
2003/04Serie C - Girone A3rd12th40
2004/05Serie C - Girone A3rd15th40
2005/06Serie C - Girone A3rd8th48
2006/07Serie C - Girone A3rd12th41
2007/08Serie C - Girone A3rd9th46
2008/09Serie C - Girone A3rd8th46
2009/10Serie C - Girone A3rd1st67Promoted
2010/112nd3rd70Promoted
2011/121st19th32Relegated
2012/132nd5th64Play-offs
2013/142nd19th44Relegated
2014/15Serie C - Girone A3rd1st74Promoted
2015/162nd8th65Play-offs
2016/172nd9th56
2017/182nd19th44Relegated
2018/19Serie C - Girone A3rd9th50
2019/20Serie C - Girone A3rd7th55
2020/21Serie C - Girone A3rd11th49Club refounded
2021/22Serie D - Girone A4th1st85Promoted
2022/23Serie C - Girone A3rd5th60Play-offs
2023/24Serie C - Girone A3rd11th52
2024/25Serie C - Girone A3rd11th52
2025/26Serie C - Girone A3rd9th18Ongoing as of November 18, 2025
The table above reflects the club's progression through Italy's football divisions, with the refounding in 2021 leading to a rapid return to Serie C by 2022.

All-time records

Novara FC's all-time leading goalscorer is Pablo González, who scored 88 goals for the club between 2010 and 2018. , one of Italy's most prolific strikers, ranks third on the list with 86 goals during his nine seasons with the club from 1945 to 1954. Other notable contributors include Raffaele Rubino (87 goals) and Paolo Mentani (84 goals), highlighting the club's history of relying on versatile forwards across various divisions. In terms of appearances, the club's record holder is Ambrogio Baira with 490 matches (1941–1962), reflecting the loyalty of players during Novara's and eras in the 1940s and 1950s. Historically in , Novara has maintained a win percentage of approximately 36% across six seasons from 2010/11 to 2017/18, with 91 victories in 252 matches. Attendance records show peaks during top-flight stints, with an average of approximately 16,000 spectators per home game in the 1948-1949 season. Notable highs occurred during matches, underscoring the club's regional draw. Overall, Novara has no of participation in European competitions, focusing instead on domestic leagues and cups.
CategoryRecord HolderDetails
Top ScorerPablo González88 goals (2010–2018)
Most AppearancesAmbrogio Baira490 matches (1941–1962)
Serie B Win %N/A~36% (91 wins in 252 games, 2010/11–2017/18)
Record AttendanceN/ANotable highs in Serie A era

References

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