The Avellino Sports Union 1912, or commonly known as US Avellino, is a professional football club based in Avellino, a town located in the southern region of Campania, Italy. This illustrious club was founded in 1912, making it one of the oldest football clubs in the country. Over the course of a century, US Avellino has left an indelible mark on Italian football, with a rich history and a passionate fan base.
US Avellino’s journey began on March 14, 1912, when a group of young football enthusiasts came together to establish a club that would represent the town of Avellino. With a vision to promote and develop football in their region, the founders set in motion a legacy that would become an integral part of Avellino’s identity.
In its early years, US Avellino participated in several regional and amateur leagues, steadily evolving and gaining recognition. However, it was not until the mid-1970s that the club began to rise to national prominence. Under the guidance of coach Arpad Weisz, US Avellino gained promotion to Serie B, the second-highest division in Italian football, in the 1972-73 season. This achievement was a pivotal moment for the club, as it marked their entry into professional football.
The golden era of US Avellino arrived in the late 1970s. Led by the charismatic owner, Generale Washington Cerino, and the renowned coach, Marcello Zauli, the club gained promotion to Serie A, Italy’s top-flight division, in 1978. This meteoric rise surprised many as the club had been relatively unknown on the national stage until then.
In the 1978-79 Serie A season, US Avellino astonished the footballing world with their performances on the field. Despite being considered relegation candidates, they defied the odds and finished sixth in the league, securing a spot in the UEFA Cup for the following season. This remarkable achievement remains one of the greatest in the club’s history.
US Avellino’s adventure in European competitions came to fruition in the 1980-81 UEFA Cup. The team electrified their fans as they progressed to the quarter-finals, overcoming notable teams such as FC Barcelona and Sporting CP along the way. Although they were eventually eliminated by Benfica, this European campaign showcased the club’s fighting spirit and underlined their growing reputation.
While US Avellino’s time in Serie A was relatively short-lived, the club left an indelible impact on Italian football. Despite enduring relegation in 1988, Avellino managed to return to Serie A for brief spells in the 1980s and early 1990s. However, financial difficulties and mismanagement plagued the club, leading to a series of relegations and subsequent resurgences in the lower divisions.
Today, US Avellino finds itself playing in Serie C, Italy’s third-tier league. However, the club continues to be a source of pride for the town of Avellino. Their passionate and loyal fan base remains unwavering, as they support the team through thick and thin.
US Avellino’s long and storied history is a testament to the enduring spirit of the club and the town it represents. The Avellino Sports Union 1912 exemplifies the power of football to unite and inspire a community. As they move forward, US Avellino continues to strive for greatness, with a collective goal to return to the top echelons of Italian football, making their centennial celebrations a remarkable milestone for the Avellino Sports Union 1912.