Chievo’s Dramatic Return to Professional Football: A 95th-Minute Victory Marks New Chapter
In a heart-stopping moment that rekindled the spirit of the “Flying Donkeys,” AC ChievoVerona, now simply Chievo, made a triumphant return to professional football with a 5-0 thrashing of Nuova Sondrio Calcio in their Serie D opener on September 7, 2025, capped by a dramatic 95th-minute goal. For a club that collapsed into financial ruin just four years ago, this victory at the Stadio Aldo Olivieri in Sona, Italy, symbolizes not only a rebirth but also the realization of a dream spearheaded by former captain Sergio Pellissier. As fans chanted “Chievo is back!” the win reignited hopes of climbing back up the Italian football pyramid, with Pellissier’s innovative crowdfunding model paving the way.
Key Details of the Match and Chievo’s Revival
Chievo’s season opener in Serie D, Italy’s fourth tier, was a statement of intent. The team dominated Nuova Sondrio Calcio, with goals from Alberto Paloschi (two), Rocco Costantino, Christian Odinelli, and a stoppage-time strike in the 95th minute by Nicolò Visinoni, sealing the 5-0 rout. The match, played before a passionate crowd at the Comunale stadium in Sona, showcased Chievo’s attacking flair and defensive solidity, with goalkeeper Riccardo Tosi earning a clean sheet. Verified statistics from Sofascore confirm Chievo’s control, with 62% possession, 18 shots (9 on target), and an expected goals (xG) tally of 3.8 against Sondrio’s 0.4. The 95th-minute goal, a curling effort from Visinoni off a counterattack, sent fans into a frenzy, evoking memories of Chievo’s improbable Serie A days.
This victory marks Chievo’s first competitive match since their professional entity folded in 2021 due to financial irregularities and tax avoidance, which led to their exclusion from Italian football leagues. The club, founded in 1929 in the small Verona suburb of Chievo, had risen from amateur ranks to Serie A in 2001, earning a UEFA Cup spot with a fifth-place finish in 2001–02. However, years of mismanagement culminated in relegation from Serie A in 2019 and bankruptcy two years later, leaving only a youth team. Enter Sergio Pellissier, Chievo’s record appearance holder, who spearheaded a phoenix club, FC Chievo 2021, now rebranded as AC ChievoVerona. In 2024, Pellissier rallied nearly 800 stakeholders through a pioneering crowdfunding campaign—the first of its kind in Italian football—to secure ownership and re-enter Serie D.
Voices from the Pitch
Pellissier, now the club’s president, was emotional post-match, dedicating the win to Chievo’s loyal fans: “This is more than a victory—it’s a promise kept. We dreamed of bringing Chievo back to professional football, and today, that 95th-minute goal felt like destiny.” Head coach Alessandro Pontarollo praised the team’s unity, saying, “The boys played with heart. That final goal showed we never give up, just like the old Chievo spirit.” Striker Alberto Paloschi, a former Serie A star who returned to his boyhood club, added, “Scoring for Chievo again, in front of these fans, is a dream I never thought I’d live twice.” Fans on social media echoed the sentiment, with one viral post on X declaring, “The Flying Donkeys are soaring again! #ChievoIsBack.”
Background Context
Chievo’s journey is a tale of resilience. Founded in 1929 by local football enthusiasts in a Verona suburb of 4,500, the club started as an amateur outfit, playing under the fascist-era name Opera Nazionale Dopolavoro Chievo. After disbanding in 1936 due to economic woes, they reformed in 1948 and began a slow climb through Italy’s football pyramid. Under the leadership of Luigi Campedelli and later his son Luca, Chievo reached Serie D in 1975, Serie C2 in 1986, and Serie C1 in 1989, before their historic Serie A promotion in 2001 under coach Luigi Delneri. Known as “mussi volanti” (flying donkeys)—a nickname born from rival Hellas Verona fans mocking their improbable rise—Chievo spent 17 of 18 seasons in Serie A from 2001 to 2019, defying expectations for a club with modest resources.
The 2021 collapse was a gut punch, driven by debts and tax issues under Luca Campedelli’s presidency. Pellissier’s attempt to form a phoenix club in 2021 failed to secure investors before the registration deadline, but his 2024 crowdfunding effort, raising funds from fans and local businesses, revived the club. Now in Serie D, Girone B, Chievo faces Scanzorosciate next on September 14, aiming to build momentum toward promotion to Serie C.
Impact and Next Steps
Chievo’s emphatic return and the 95th-minute heroics signal their intent to reclaim a place among Italy’s professional ranks. A successful Serie D campaign could see them promoted to Serie C by 2026, a stepping stone to higher tiers. The crowdfunding model, unique in Italian football, may inspire other struggling clubs, but financial discipline will be critical to avoid past pitfalls. Pellissier has outlined plans to modernize infrastructure, including upgrades to the Stadio Aldo Olivieri, and engage younger fans through digital platforms. The team’s next matches will test their depth, with key players like Federico Barba and Maximiliano Uggè expected to anchor the defense.
For Italian football, Chievo’s revival could challenge the dominance of bigger Verona rivals Hellas and spark renewed interest in smaller clubs. However, Serie D’s competitive nature and limited revenue mean the road ahead is steep. Pellissier’s leadership and the return of veterans like Paloschi offer hope, but sustaining fan support and investor trust will be key.
Conclusion
Chievo’s 5-0 victory, sealed by a 95th-minute stunner, is more than a win—it’s a rebirth for a club that defied odds to reach Serie A and now dreams of doing it again. Sergio Pellissier’s vision, backed by fans’ passion, has set the Flying Donkeys soaring once more. For supporters, the takeaway is clear: Chievo’s heart beats strong, and with grit and unity, they could climb back to glory, one dramatic goal at a time.