On This Day at the World Cup – June 11: Scotland Suffer in Genoa Heat

The Tartan Army marched on the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in 1990 as Scotland turned up at a fifth consecutive World Cup, with a golden chance to get off to a flyer in their bid to escape the group stage for the first time.

One cheeky backheel and cool finish later and it was Costa Rica planning an extended stay in Italy and the Scots left with work to do against Sweden and Brazil.

The Marassi is an amazing place to watch football though – Sampdoria and Genoa fans are among the best in the country for noise and colour – so it was only right that the Scotland faithful put on a show.

There was tartan everywhere and saltires hanging between the famous British-style stands behind the goal, although it wasn’t until their second game that the players did their bit – beating Sweden 2-1.

Costa Rica also beat the Swedes in Genoa before the ground hosted Ireland’s penalty shootout win over Romania in the last 16.

As expected, the Scotland fans had a few pints in Genoa and if they were heading there now, Bar Roma – the Sampdoria cafe where ideas, lives and stories began – would be a popular pick.

Serie A fixtures for 2026-27 have been released so now is a good time to start planning a trip to the Luigi Ferraris. With Genoa in Serie A and Sampdoria in the league below, it is possible to catch both at home on the same weekend.

And as for Genoa the city, it is one of the most underrated on the peninsula. Check out our city page for tips on where to stay and the best places to eat and drink, including a pint at Roxy Bar, climbing the famous Scalinata Montaldo and chilling by the beach.