Cremona, in northern Italy about a 90-minute drive from Milan, is home to Cremonese. Known as La Cremo, the club has spent much of its existence in Serie B, and went some 26 years without playing top-level football.

But they are back in Serie A after winning promotion via the play-offs, beating Spezia in the final. The last time they went up, in 2021-22, they finished 19th and came straight back down, so they will be hoping for a longer stay this time around.

Cremonese hold the distinction of having one of the most unique shirts in the Italian game, with the Grigiorossi (grey and red) colours worn only by them.

Named in honour of Giovanni Zini, a goalkeeper who died in World War I, the stadium is one of the smallest, but most atmospheric and among the oldest, in Italy. 

The stands being close to the pitch makes for great viewing no matter where one sits, and the atmosphere is contained within the four sectors.

A series of renovations have taken place over the past six years, reducing the capacity due to the introduction of an all-seater stadium, yet the Giovanni Zini holds the distinction of having one of the best pitches in calcio.

Stadio Giovanni Zini factfile

• Capacity: 14, 834
• Opened: 1919
• Clubs: Cremonese
• Address: Via Persico 19, I-26100, Cremona

How to get to the Stadio Giovanni Zini

The Giovanni Zini is one of Italy’s easiest stadiums to reach, with the ground not far from the historic centre of the city. 

By car

If arriving into Cremona by car, the easiest way to the stadium is taking the A21 motorway and exiting at the ‘Cremona’ exit. After the toll booth exit, look for the SS10 via Mantova signs. Follow the signs and the stadium can be reached.

By bus from Cremona train station

Exit Cremona train station and take a left, at the bus stop ‘Cremona autostazione’, take the LS013 bus heading for Brescia. Ride the bus for around three minutes and get off at Via Brescia stop, and walk the rest of the way.

By foot from the city centre

The Giovanni Zini is within walking distance from the city centre. The walk should take no more than 20 minutes, with the distance around 1.4km.

How to buy public transport tickets 

Tickets to use Cremona’s public transport system can be bought at authorised ticket sellers throughout the city, and also online via the Arriva app, which can be downloaded via Google Play and the Apple Store.

How to buy tickets to see Cremonese

Tickets to see Cremonese can be bought at TicketOne in the weeks leading up to a game.