Last season, Venezia showed the world just how difficult it is to stay up in the first division after being promoted. Many teams work for years to reach the first division only to bounce right back down the following season. After a long season in Serie B, let's meet the three newest members of Serie A and learn how they got here.
For the majority of its history, Palermo FC has bounced between the top two divisions in Italy and has given many great stars their big break. After a financial meltdown, demotion and subsequent rebirth, the club now finds itself back in the second division and, potentially, under new ownership.
Look what it means to the most historic side in southern Italy - Palermo.
Once in Serie A, expelled to Serie D due to financial issues + formed new phoenix club. Now back up to Serie B from Serie C.
Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel's decision to bring on Kepa Arrizbalaga late in the 2022 EFL Cup Final was not unprecedented — both for Chelsea and the footballing world. Kepa had replaced Mendy in the waning moments of extra time in the UEFA Super Cup against Villarreal earlier in the year, saving two penalties in Chelsea's shootout victory.
In fact, the Spaniard is an above-average keeper in his career when it comes to saving penalties.
On July 3, 2001, Gianluigi Buffon became the most expensive goalkeeper in football, moving from Parma to Juventus for a fee of around $58 million. Now, two decades and 489 Serie A appearances later, Buffon is back at the club where it all started.
Gigi Buffon officially became a Parma player again on Thursday, signing with the Serie B side on a two-year deal. "Superman" had returned.
After a 19-year absence, Venezia FC clinched its return to Serie A last Thursday after defeating Cittadella in the promotion playoffs final. The result was secured at the world-renowned Stadio Pierluigi Penzo, which is located on the far eastern edge of Venice and easily accessible by boat (or perhaps a fine gondola ride with a bottle of Prosecco).