US Recanatese

Unione Sportiva Recanatese, commonly known as Recanatese, is an Italian semi-professional football club based in Recanati, a town in the province of Macerata within the Marche region.^[1] Founded in 1923, the club competes in Serie D, the fourth tier of the Italian football league system, specifically in Group F as of the 2025–26 season.^[1] Playing its home matches at the Stadio Nicola Tubaldi, which has a capacity of approximately 1,500 spectators and features an artificial turf surface, Recanatese has a history of fluctuating between regional and national divisions.^[2] The club's early years saw it debut in professional football during the 1947–48 Serie C season, marking its entry into the national leagues.^[1] Over the decades, Recanatese experienced periods of stability in lower divisions, including continuous participation in Serie D from 2007 to 2022, before achieving promotion to Lega Pro (the third tier) via a Serie D title win in the 2021–22 season—the first such national championship for a Marche-based club.^[1] However, following relegation after the 2023–24 playouts, the team returned to Serie D, where it continues to build on its regional legacy.^[1] Notable achievements include two Promozione titles, one Eccellenza Marche championship, and the aforementioned Serie D scudetto, reflecting its competitive presence in Italian amateur and semi-professional football.^[1] In recent leadership developments, Massimiliano Guzzini assumed the role of president on November 1, 2025, succeeding Daniele Maria Angelini amid efforts to stabilize the club following its relegation.^[3] Under this new administration, Recanatese competes in Serie D, with upcoming fixtures including a match against Chieti on November 16, 2025.^[4] The club's yellow-and-red colors symbolize its local identity, and it maintains an active presence in the Lega Nazionale Dilettanti structure.^[1]

History

Founding and early years

Unione Sportiva Recanatese was established in 1923 in Recanati, a historic town in the province of Macerata, Marche region, Italy, by a group of local sports enthusiasts dedicated to promoting football within the community.^[1][5] The club's formation reflected the growing popularity of organized football in provincial Italy during the interwar period, providing a platform for local talent and fostering social cohesion in Recanati.^[6] In its formative years, US Recanatese competed primarily in amateur regional leagues under the auspices of the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio (FIGC), including levels such as Promozione, where it faced off against other Marche-based and central Italian teams.^[6] Initial home matches were held on modest local fields, integrating the club deeply into Recanati's pre-World War II sports culture and encouraging widespread community participation through youth involvement and amateur matches.^[7] These early efforts helped solidify the club's role as a cornerstone of local identity, though detailed records of specific figures like founding members or initial presidents remain scarce in historical accounts.^[8] This period of regional amateur play built a foundation of resilience and local support, setting the stage for the club's ambitions to enter national competitions in the post-war era.^[1]

Post-war era and Serie C debut

Following the end of World War II, Italian football clubs, including US Recanatese, contributed to the national sport's reconstruction by resuming competitive activities in regional competitions during the 1945–46 and 1946–47 seasons. The club, based in Recanati, Marche, participated in lower-tier interregional leagues as part of this recovery effort, building toward higher-level competition. By the 1947–48 season, US Recanatese achieved one of its earliest major milestones, qualifying for Serie C, Italy's third tier, and making its professional debut in the Lega Interregionale Centro. This entry represented a high point for the club in the immediate post-war period, reflecting growing local support and organizational stability in Recanati amid the broader revival of Italian football. The team competed in a group featuring clubs from the Marche and Romagna regions, showcasing the club's ambition to establish itself at a national level.^[1][9] US Recanatese's performance in the 1947–48 Serie C was challenging, culminating in relegation at the end of the season and marking the club's sole appearance in the division until its return over seven decades later. This brief stint highlighted the difficulties of sustaining professional status for a small-town club during the era's competitive landscape, leading to a return to amateur ranks. Administrative efforts during this time focused on consolidating community backing, which helped maintain the club's operations despite the setback.^[10]

Decline and amateur leagues

Following its relegation from the 1947–48 Serie C season, US Recanatese was relegated to the Promozione league, initiating a decades-long tenure in Italy's amateur divisions.^[11] The club competed in regional Promozione competitions during the late 1940s and 1950s, before transitioning to lower interregional levels amid the post-war restructuring of Italian football. This drop reflected broader competitive pressures on smaller clubs, limiting resources and professional opportunities. Notable achievements during this era included two Promozione titles, which provided brief moments of success and promotion opportunities. The 1960s and 1970s saw US Recanatese entrenched in regional and interregional leagues, with ongoing fluctuations between tiers that highlighted administrative and structural instability. By the 1980s, the team had descended to the Promozione Marche (sixth tier) as of the 1989–90 season, underscoring persistent challenges in maintaining higher amateur status. These periods involved repeated efforts to stabilize participation, though without significant upward progress until later years. From the early 1990s, US Recanatese achieved more consistent presence in the fifth tier, competing in the Interregionale Girone G during 1990–91 and 1991–92, followed by Serie D (renamed from Interregionale in 1991) from 1992–93 to 1996–97 across various groups.^[12] Despite this stability, the club recorded no promotions during the decade, finishing mid-table at best and facing relegation to Eccellenza Marche (sixth tier) by 1997–98, where it remained through the early 2000s. The club won the Eccellenza Marche championship during this period, marking another key regional success. Competitive hurdles, including stronger regional opponents, contributed to this stagnation in the amateur ranks. Throughout this era of amateur football, US Recanatese fostered key local rivalries that intensified community engagement, particularly the derby with Maceratese, a fixture rooted in provincial tensions between Recanati and Macerata.^[13] Matches against Fermana and Castelfidardo also carried significant local significance, drawing passionate support and reinforcing the club's central role in Recanati's social fabric despite the constraints of lower-division play.^[14] These encounters provided moments of excitement and unity for the community, helping sustain the team through eras of limited resources and visibility.

Recent revival and Serie C promotion

In the 2010s, US Recanatese experienced a gradual resurgence in Serie D, transitioning from mid-to-lower table finishes to consistent playoff contention by the late decade.^[15] After placing 16th in the 2012–13 and 2016–17 seasons, the club improved to 6th in 2013–14 and 7th in 2015–16, before achieving 3rd place in 2018–19 and 4th in the COVID-interrupted 2019–20 campaign, signaling strengthened competitiveness in Group F.^[15] This upward trajectory continued with a 7th-place finish in 2020–21, setting the stage for their championship push.^[15] The pinnacle of this revival came in the 2021–22 Serie D season, where Recanatese clinched the Group F title with 68 points from 34 matches, earning automatic promotion to Serie C for the first time since 1948.^[15] Under manager Giovanni Pagliari, the team demonstrated defensive solidity and offensive efficiency, culminating in a decisive victory over Matese on 8 May 2022 that secured the championship. This success also qualified them for the Scudetto Serie D playoff, marking a historic return to professional football. Upon entering Serie C Group B for the 2022–23 season, Recanatese adapted to the higher level, finishing 10th with 47 points from 38 matches, avoiding relegation and gaining valuable experience against established clubs.^[15] However, challenges mounted in 2023–24, as they ended 18th with 38 points, entering the relegation playoffs where they recorded one win and one loss across two matches.^[15][16] Despite the efforts, this outcome led to direct relegation back to Serie D, ending their two-year stint in the third tier.^[15] Returning to Serie D Group F for the 2025–26 season, Recanatese have faced a transitional campaign, sitting 16th as of early November 2025 with mixed results, including a 2–0 home loss to San Marino on 28 September and a 2–0 away defeat to Ancona on 5 October.^[17][18] Key upcoming fixtures, such as the home match against Chieti on 16 November, offer opportunities to climb the table amid a competitive group.^[18] Leadership stability received a boost on 1 November 2025, when Massimiliano Guzzini was appointed president ad interim following the resignation of Daniele Maria Angelini, with Guzzini tasked with steering the club through its current challenges.^[19][20]

Club identity

Name, colours, and badge

Unione Sportiva Recanatese is the full official name of the Italian football club based in Recanati, Marche, commonly abbreviated as U.S. Recanatese.^[1] The club's traditional colours are yellow and red, reflecting the local landscape and passion, and have been used since the team's founding in 1923.^[21] The nickname I Giallorossi derives directly from these colours, while I Leopardiani honours Giacomo Leopardi, the renowned 19th-century poet born in Recanati, whose surname evokes leopards and symbolizes the town's cultural heritage.^[22][23] The current badge features a three-pointed shield in yellow and red stripes, incorporating a stylized lion from Recanati's coat of arms, with the club name prominently displayed; this design was adopted in the early 2000s to emphasize local identity.^[24]

Kit suppliers and sponsors

The kit supplier for U.S. Recanatese has undergone several changes in recent years. Since the 2023–24 season, the club has partnered with Ready Sport for its apparel, a deal that continued into the 2025–26 campaign.^[25] Prior to this, Acerbis served as the kit manufacturer from the 2018–19 season through 2022–23, following a one-season stint with Zeus Sport in 2017–18 and Garman up to 2014.^[26] Earlier historical suppliers from the 1990s and 2000s are less documented in public records, with the club relying on local or regional Italian brands during its lower-division periods. Sponsorship deals have been anchored by local businesses, particularly those tied to the Guzzini family enterprises. iGuzzini illuminazione, a prominent Recanati-based lighting company founded by the Guzzini family, has been a long-standing shirt sponsor, featuring its logo on the front of the kits for multiple seasons and contributing significantly to the club's financial stability. The family's involvement deepened post-2022 promotion to Serie C, with Adolfo Guzzini assuming the presidency in 2017 and continuing support through iGuzzini, while Massimiliano Guzzini became president in November 2025 amid a leadership transition.^[27][28] Following the 2022 Serie C promotion, sponsorship revenues grew, exemplified by Banca di Credito Cooperativo (BCC) di Recanati e Colmurano stepping in as the main shirt sponsor for the 2022–23 season to bolster the club's professional debut.^[29] Other local backers, such as Integra (a financial services firm), have appeared on kits in prior years, including around 2016.^[30] These partnerships often emphasize community ties, with logos prominently displayed on jerseys to support operations during league transitions. The club's kits incorporate its traditional yellow and red colours across home, away, and third variants, with the badge—a stylized lion emblem—integrated on the left chest. The 2025–26 home kit features red pinstripes on a yellow base, while the 2024–25 away kit uses a white shirt accented by a diagonal red-and-yellow sash.^[25][31] Third kits typically follow a similar palette but with varied patterns to distinguish them in matches.

Home ground and facilities

Stadio Nicola Tubaldi

The Stadio Nicola Tubaldi, located in Recanati, Italy, serves as the primary home venue for US Recanatese. The stadium, which dates back to the 1970s with significant renovations and naming in 1992, is named in honor of Nicola Tubaldi, a prominent local athlete from Recanati who excelled in track and field during the 1960s and 1970s, winning the Italian junior title in the 600-meter event before his death in 1990. The facility has a capacity of approximately 1,500 spectators, all seated following recent expansions. Its playing surface consists of artificial turf, and it includes a running track surrounding the pitch, though it lacks undersoil heating.^[32] In 2022, the stadium underwent significant renovations to meet the standards required for Serie C matches, prompted by US Recanatese's promotion from Serie D. Key upgrades included the installation of a new synthetic turf field, the construction of two additional covered tribunes to increase seating capacity, and improvements to lighting and safety features, such as enhanced barriers and access controls. These works, costing around €610,000 and funded through a municipal bank loan, began in September and were completed by December, allowing the team to return for home fixtures. The project also incorporated facilities for athletics, including a new long jump runway, reflecting the stadium's dual use for football and track events.^[33][34][35] The stadium has hosted several notable matches for US Recanatese, including the final home game of the 2021–22 Serie D season against San Marino on May 22, 2022, which featured celebrations for the club's promotion despite a 0–2 loss. Record attendance was achieved during the April 22, 2023, Serie C derby against Ancona, drawing a sellout crowd of 1,500 spectators—the first since the stadium's expansion—and marking a high point in local support for the team.^[36]

Training and youth facilities

The primary training ground for US Recanatese is the Centro Sportivo Recanatese, situated adjacent to the Stadio Nicola Tubaldi along Viale Aldo Moro in Recanati.^[2][37] This facility supports daily training sessions for the first team and youth squads, featuring multiple pitches suitable for football activities.^[38] The club's youth sector, known as the Settore Giovanile, operates from these facilities and encompasses teams ranging from U6 to U19 levels, including dedicated female squads in U15, U17, and Eccellenza Marche categories. The club's women's team, which won the 2024–25 Eccellenza Marche title but renounced promotion to Serie C, continues to compete in Eccellenza Marche for the 2025–26 season, utilizing the facilities for training and matches.^[39] Managed by coordinator Michele Tubaldi, appointed in July 2025, the program emphasizes structured development with specialized coaches for each age group.^[40] Since 2021, US Recanatese has maintained its status as a Scuola Calcio Élite, a FIGC certification recognizing high standards in youth coaching, facilities, and player welfare, which has involved ongoing enhancements to training infrastructure post-2020.^[41][42] Post-2020 investments in youth development include partnerships with local institutions, such as sponsorship from IIS Enrico Mattei high school, which supports training programs and promotes integration between school and club activities.^[43] These efforts focus on holistic player growth, with the youth sector playing a key role in talent pathways; for instance, goalkeeper Leonardo Mezzelani (born 2008) progressed from the U19 team to debut in the first-team squad during the 2025-26 season, while right-back Gianmarco Magini has similarly transitioned from youth ranks to senior appearances.^[44]

League record and achievements

Domestic league participation

Unione Sportiva Recanatese made its debut in the third tier of Italian football by competing in Serie C during the 1947–48 season, marking the club's initial foray into professional national leagues. Following relegation at the end of that campaign, the team descended into regional and amateur divisions, where it remained for several decades without returning to Serie C until much later. The club entered the national pyramid in the 2007–08 season by joining Serie D, the fourth tier, and maintained continuous participation there until 2021–22, interspersed with a promotion to Serie C in 2022. After two seasons in Serie C, Recanatese was relegated back to Serie D at the conclusion of the 2023–24 campaign and currently competes in Serie D Group F during the 2025–26 season.^[45][15] The following table summarizes Recanatese's finishes in Serie D from 2008–09 to 2025–26 (limited data available for 2007–08 and 2009–10): In their two most recent Serie C seasons (2022–23 and 2023–24), Recanatese achieved an overall win percentage of 27.6%, recording 21 wins, 22 draws, and 33 losses across 76 matches. Home performances were stronger in 2023–24 with 7 wins in 19 games (37% win rate), while away form was better in 2022–23 with 6 wins in 19 games (32% win rate).^[15][47][48] Recanatese has participated in the Coppa Italia Serie C during its Serie C tenures in 2022–23 and 2023–24, exiting in the first round on both occasions against Gubbio and Vis Pesaro, respectively. In the Coppa Italia Serie D, the club's best run came in the 2020–21 edition, reaching the round of 16 before a penalty shootout loss to Scandicci.^[49]

Honours and records

US Recanatese has achieved notable success in Italy's amateur and semi-professional leagues, with its primary honours coming from the 2021–22 season. The club won the Serie D Girone F title, securing promotion to Serie C for the first time in its history.^[50][21] Following this, Recanatese claimed the Scudetto Serie D, the national championship for Serie D winners, defeating other group champions in the playoff tournament.^[50][21] In terms of league records, US Recanatese participated continuously in Serie D for 15 seasons from 2007–08 to 2021–22, the most extended involvement at that level for the club.^[45] Its highest finish came in Serie C during the 2022–23 season, placing 10th in Girone B.^[15] The club also experienced relegation from Serie C after finishing 18th in Girone B the following year.^[15] Individual club records highlight key performances, including the largest victory margin of 6–0 against Aurora Pro Patria 1919 in Serie D on 20 February 2022. Attendance records reflect modest but growing support, with the highest average home crowd of 861 spectators across 19 Serie C matches in 2022–23.^[51]

Players and staff

Current first-team squad

As of November 2025, US Recanatese's first-team squad for the 2025–26 Serie D season comprises 27 players, with an average age of 22.4 years and a total market value of €1.10 million. The team is led by captain Massimo D'Angelo, a 35-year-old experienced left winger who provides leadership in midfield and attack.^[52] The squad emphasizes youth development, with several integrations from the club's Giovanili academy, including goalkeepers Leonardo Mezzelani and midfielders Matteo Paoltroni, Elia Morichetta, and Domenico Mobili, reflecting a strategy to blend emerging talents with seasoned professionals.^[53] Key additions in the 2025 summer transfer window strengthened the attack and defense, including left winger Gabriele Capanni arriving on a free transfer from Ternana Calcio in Serie C, central midfielder Lorenzo Ferro joining on loan from Potenza in Serie C, and right winger Marco Chiarella on loan from Catania in Serie C.^[54] Notable departures included centre-forward Federico Melchiorri moving to A.P. Aurora Treia on a free transfer and centre-back Francesco Cusumano transferring to Vis Pesaro in Serie C, contributing to a balanced net spend of zero.^[54] The squad is organized below by position, with most players under contract until 30 June 2026.^[53]

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

Notable former players

One of the most prominent former players in recent club history is Federico Melchiorri, a seasoned striker who brought Serie A experience to US Recanatese during the 2022–23 Serie C season. Having previously featured for clubs like Cagliari and Pescara in Italy's top flight, where he scored over 20 goals across multiple campaigns, Melchiorri joined Recanatese on a free transfer from AC Ancona and contributed 9 goals in 37 appearances, helping stabilize the attack amid the club's inaugural top-flight professional campaign. Luca Senigagliesi stands out as a long-term servant and key figure in the club's 2021–22 Serie D promotion to Serie C, serving as a versatile forward from 2016 to 2023. A local talent from nearby San Severino Marche, he amassed over 200 appearances and became one of the club's all-time leading contributors during his tenure, including pivotal goals in the promotion playoffs that marked Recanatese's return to professional football after decades in amateur leagues. Following his departure, Senigagliesi continued his career in Serie D with clubs like Sambenedettese and Grosseto.^[55] Gabriel Meli, a goalkeeper who arrived on loan from Empoli in January 2023, provided solid backup during the 2022–23 Serie C relegation battle, featuring in several matches including the playoffs. Standing at 1.88 meters with prior youth international experience for Italy U20, Meli's professional development included stints at higher-profile Serie B sides before and after his Recanatese spell, where he helped maintain defensive resilience in a challenging season. He later moved to clubs like Taranto and ACR Messina in Serie C. Among historical standouts from the club's earlier professional era in the 1940s Serie C, records highlight limited notable figures due to the post-war context and regional focus, with no players achieving widespread national recognition or international transfers during that period. However, more recent promotions have produced talents like Alessandro Sbaffo, who led the attack post-2022 with 28 goals in 73 Serie C appearances before transferring to fellow Serie C side US Sambenedettese, exemplifying pathways to sustained professional careers. No former Recanatese players have earned senior international caps, though youth products and loanees like Meli have represented Italy at U20 level, underscoring the club's role in developing prospects for higher divisions such as Serie B via loans or transfers.

Statistical Leaders

The following table summarizes all-time top scorers for US Recanatese, based on club records spanning Serie D and Serie C eras, focusing on former players with significant impact (data as of 2025): For appearances, comprehensive all-time data remains limited, but Senigagliesi holds the modern record with 203 outings, reflecting the club's emphasis on local longevity over transient stars.^[55]

Management and coaching staff

As of November 2025, US Recanatese is led by president Massimiliano Guzzini, who was appointed on November 1 following the resignation of Daniele Maria Angelini due to internal management disagreements.^[28] Guzzini, a key figure in local business circles, succeeded Angelini in an interim capacity after the previous board dissolved and a new council was formed to stabilize the club's operations in Serie D.^[28] Angelini, who had assumed the presidency in June 2025, continues to support the club as a sponsor while influencing strategic decisions from his prior role.^[28] The board structure reflects strong ties to the Guzzini family, prominent in Recanati through enterprises like iGuzzini Illuminazione, with Massimiliano Guzzini at the helm and family members holding advisory positions to ensure financial and community backing for the club's revival efforts.^[28] Adolfo Guzzini serves as honorary president, providing continuity from earlier leadership phases.^[58] On the technical side, head coach Mirko Savini was appointed on July 2, 2025, with a contract extending to June 30, 2026, bringing experience from his previous role at Fermana FC to guide the team in Serie D Group F.^[59] He is supported by assistant manager Manuel Giandonato, appointed July 15, 2025; goalkeeping coach Francesco Ripa, in place since July 12, 2022; and athletic coach Franco Gigli, who joined on July 1, 2024, and also serves as match analyst.^[59] Key administrative staff includes technical director José Cianni, a long-serving figure since May 30, 2017, overseeing player development and transfers, and team manager Paolo Camilletti, appointed July 1, 2012, handling operational logistics.^[59] These roles underscore the club's emphasis on experienced local leadership amid recent board transitions.^[59]