From Baggio to Broke, From Pirlo to Panic - 114-Year Legacy Faces Oblivion

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From Baggio to Broke, From Pirlo to Panic - 114-Year Legacy Faces Oblivion originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Brescia Calcio, a 114-year-old Italian football titan, has crumbled into bankruptcy, ousted from professional leagues after financial turmoil. Once home to legends like Roberto Baggio and Pep Guardiola, the club’s collapse under owner Massimo Cellino’s mismanagement sparks outrage. Can new owners revive this storied legacy?

Brescia’s descent began with a four-point deduction in the 2025 Serie B season for financial irregularities, sealing their relegation to Serie C per Sky Sports. Unable to settle a $3.4 million debt, the club lost its professional status, a devastating blow for fans. The Italian Football Federation confirmed the bankruptcy, leaving Brescia’s future uncertain.

Mismanagement Sparks Outrage

Massimo Cellino, Brescia’s owner since 2017, shoulders much of the blame. Previously at Leeds United, Cellino’s chaotic tenure included 18 managerial changes in three years and an 18-month FA ban for breaching agent rules. His refusal to pay Brescia’s debts has enraged supporters, who see a pattern of financial recklessness.

Brescia’s history is a tapestry of brilliance. The club graced Serie A for 23 seasons, nurturing icons like Andrea Pirlo, Gheorghe Hagi, and Luca Toni (UEFA). Their iconic blue and white shirts, worn by such legends, now symbolize a legacy teetering on oblivion.

Roberto Baggio, Brecia Calcio with Alessandro Del Piero of Juventus FC - Back in the good old days.Claudio Villa Getty Images

Hope flickers faintly for Brescia’s revival. Italian reports suggest new owners could rescue the club in Serie C, but time is critically short per Football Italia. Without swift action, Brescia risks fading into amateur leagues, a tragic end for a footballing institution.

Hope Flickers...But then hope is the last thing to die.

The collapse exposes football’s financial underbelly. Despite billions flowing through the sport, mismanagement can topple even historic clubs per FIFA. Brescia’s fans, heartbroken yet defiant, rally for a miracle to save their beloved team.

Brescia’s story is a cautionary tale. While the football world rolls in riches and marvels at its glamour, clubs like Brescia suffer from poor governance. Will new stewards rise to restore this fallen giant, or is this the final whistle for a 114-year legacy?

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.

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