History
The club was founded in 11 January 1914 as Unione Sportiva Reggio Calabria, and changed name many times (Società Calcistica Reggio, Reggio Foot Ball Club, Associazione Sportiva Reggina, Società Sportiva La Dominante), finally assuming their current denomination in 1986. In recent years, Reggina have been alternating between the top two levels of the Italian league. They reached the Italian top division Serie A for the first time in 1999. Two years later, they lost a relegation playoff against Verona, being consequently relegated to Serie B. Reggina finished third in Serie B in 2002, earning a return to Serie A. In 2003, Reggina survived a relegation playoff against Atalanta.
They were indicted in 2006 for sporting fraud as part of the second wave of Serie A scandal investigations. Originally punished with a 15-point deduction for the Serie A 2006-07, then reduced to 11 points following appeal. Despite the heavy deduction of points, Reggina managed to save from relegation, defeating fresh UEFA Champions League winners Milan on the final matchday and ending the season with 40 points (including the deduction), just one single point above the third relegation spot, occupied by Chievo. They however poorly started their 2007–08 campaign, causing head coach Massimo Ficcadenti to be sacked and replaced by Renzo Ulivieri. A third managerial change, with Ulivieri fired and replacing with team scout Nevio Orlandi, proved to be successful as Reggina improved their results and performances, escaping relegation with key wins at Catania, and home to Empoli. Orlandi was subsequently confirmed at the helm of the amaranto for the 2008–09 season.
Reggina are fierce rivals with neighbours F.C. Messina Peloro, who are just a fifteen-minute ferry ride apart from each other. Twice every season they clash in the Derby dello Stretto (Strait of Messina Derby), which is currently on hiatus following Messina's relegation to Serie D for the 2008–09 season due to financial problems.
Read more about this topic: Reggina Calcio
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