Ascoli Playbook: Your Unrivalled Experience in the City of a Hundred Towers

Set in the heart of Le Marche, Ascoli is a town buzzing with anticipation after promotion to Serie B.

Built entirely of travertine stone, a local material that makes the city appear to glow in the sunlight, this ancient town boasts a mix of Renaissance beauty, world-class street food, and a fierce footballing soul.

Ascoli, known as Il Picchio (The Woodpecker), carries a rich legacy forged during its top-flight glory days under iconic president Costantino Rozzi and legendary manager Carlo Mazzone.

Following their journey back to Serie B after winning the Serie C play-offs, second-tier action returns to the Stadio Del Duca.

Here is your ultimate guide to watching calcio in the city of a hundred towers.

Where To Stay

The historic centre is by far the best base for your trip. Ascoli is compact, flat, and walkable, so staying in the old town puts you minutes away from stunning squares and a half-hour stroll to the stadium.

Palazzo Guiderocchi: Located just a stone’s throw from Piazza del Popolo, this restored 16th-century palace offers an authentic taste of historic Ascoli luxury without breaking the bank. Prices per night range from €85 to €120.

Bed & Breakfast Piazza del Popolo: For budget-conscious travellers who want to step out of their front door straight onto one of Italy’s most famous Renaissance piazzas, this boutique B&B delivers unbeatable views. Prices per night range from €65 to €95.

Albergo Cantina Livia: A cosy option tucked away in the medieval quarter, offering affordable rooms. The best part? There’s a traditional local wine cellar downstairs. Prices per night range from €50 to €75.

Looking for somewhere close to the stadium? Hotel Pennile is just a 15-minute walk from the Stadio Del Duca and is a great base for matchday convenience. Prices per night range from €80 to €105.

Where To Eat

Migliori Olive Ascolane (Piazza Arringo): As seen on Stanley Tucci: The Heart Of Italy, this outdoor kiosk is the best place to try Olive all’Ascolana – giant green olives stuffed with seasoned minced meat, breaded, and fried to golden perfection. Grab a steaming takeaway paper cone to eat on the go.

Osteria Checco: A rustic, traditional tavern tucked down an alleyway serving local pasta dishes, including maccheroncini di Campofilone tossed in a rich pork ragù.

Forno Fazzini (Via Po): Located a 10-minute walk from the stadium, this local bakery is the ideal pre-game spot for a fresh slice of pizza or a quick sandwich. Just note that it shuts at 5pm.

Where To Drink

Matchday in Ascoli centres around small local enoteche in the historic centre before migrating toward the neighbourhood bars outside the stadium.

Ostium Pub & Enoteca (Via Soderini): A popular wine and beer pub right in the medieval core – expect a lively atmosphere.

Tabaccheria e Bar dello Stadio: Positioned on the opposite side of the stadium, this is a great option for a quick pre-match coffee, beer, or espresso shot alongside local supporters.

Bar Stadio & Bar dello Sport: Located directly across the road from the Tribuna Ovest, these are the ultimate pre- and post-match gathering spots. Classic, no-frills calcio bars with fridges fully stocked with Moretti and Peroni and fans spilling onto the pavement.

Don’t Forget

Tickets: Ascoli tickets can be purchased on the official club website, at authorised TicketOne selling points across the city, or at the ticket booths at Stadio Cino e Lillo Del Duca on matchdays. Tickets usually go on sale about a week in advance and can often be bought online up until hours before kick-off. However, high-profile fixtures sell out fast and may require a €5 club fidelity card unless you reside in the province of Ascoli Piceno or abroad. When collecting tickets in person, bring physical ID and allow extra time for queues.

Kick-off times: Schedules shift frequently for TV broadcasts, so bear that in mind when arranging a trip far in advance.

Merchandise: Official Ascoli gear can be purchased online through the club shop or in person at the official Ascoli Calcio Store located in the city centre at Via Cino del Duca, 3.

Did You Know?

Inaugurated in 1962 with a friendly between the semi-pro national teams of Italy and England, the stadium was named after the Del Duca brothers – Cino (a movie producer and newspaper editor who served as club president) and his brother Lillo. After Ascoli reached Serie A in 1974, president Rozzi expanded the stadium’s capacity to 40,000. Rozzi was also famous for wearing bright red socks on the touchline for luck, a tradition the players still honour in big matches today.

The ultras were temporarily relocated to the Curva Nord during recent renovations, but are back creating their wall of noise in the newly renovated 4000-capacity Curva Sud.

Getting There

The Del Duca is a 15-minute walk from the main train station and a 30-minute walk away from Piazza del Popolo in the old town. Local buses stop along Viale Constantino Rozzi and Viale Delle Zeppele on either side of the ground on matchdays, which are a five-minute walk from the ground. 

Tickets are available on board.

The Del Duca is a five-minute cab ride from both the main train station and Piazza del Popolo, and the closest car park is 111 Parking just off Viale delle Zeppelle, directly across the road from the Tribuna Est.

Pescara is the nearest airport to Ascoli while Ancona and Rome, a bit further away, are also options.

Need Another Football Fix?

There are three great options nearby if you’re looking for another matchday experience. Ascoli’s fiercest rivals, Sambenedettese, are just 30 minutes away by train on the coast. A match at the Stadio Riviera delle Palme offers a fiery derby atmosphere. Take a train an hour north, and you can watch Ancona play at the Stadio Del Conero or head an hour south into Abruzzo to catch Pescara at the Stadio Adriatico, famous for its distinctive wave-like concrete architecture and passionate coastal support.