Episode Summary
Hosts
Graham Dunn, Jamie Rooney
Guest(s)
Release Date
21 September 2023
Duration
70 min
In this double-header episode of By Far The Greatest Team, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney journey back more than a century to explore the rise of Genoa CFC (1922–1924) — one of the most influential sides in early Italian football history.
At a time when the sport was still finding its structure and identity, Genoa stood as a beacon of professionalism and tactical innovation. Under the visionary English coach William Garbutt — widely considered the father of Italian football coaching — Genoa introduced a new level of organisation, training methods, and strategic thinking to the Italian game.
Between 1922 and 1924, Genoa won back-to-back Prima Categoria (Serie A) titles, becoming Italy’s dominant force. Garbutt’s side blended British discipline with Italian flair, introducing fitness regimes, tactical formations, and even the concept of paid professional players — ideas that reshaped the country’s footballing landscape.
Featuring stars such as Luigi Burlando, Renzo De Vecchi, and Cevenini, Genoa combined technical finesse with intelligent movement, pioneering the early form of the modern passing game. Their influence extended beyond the pitch — establishing a model of preparation and professionalism that inspired generations of Italian clubs to come.
This episode explores how Garbutt’s Genoa became Italy’s first great team, the political and cultural environment of 1920s Italy, and how their triumphs laid the foundation for Serie A’s evolution into a world-class league.
Takeaways
Genoa’s success under Garbutt marked the dawn of Italian football modernity.
The club’s organisation and tactics redefined early European coaching.
Garbutt’s influence created Italy’s managerial culture and training systems.
Genoa’s 1920s dominance cemented them as pioneers of Serie A greatness.
Their story bridges English football heritage with Italian innovation.
Genoa 1922–1924: Italy’s First Football Dynasty
In the early 1920s, Genoa CFC stood as the powerhouse of Italian football — a club that helped define how the game would be played for generations to come.
Under William Garbutt, an Englishman whose methods transformed Italian football, Genoa won back-to-back national championships in 1923 and 1924, becoming Italy’s first true football dynasty. Garbutt introduced modern training, fitness programs, and tactical structure — innovations unheard of in Italy at the time. His attention to detail and professionalism earned him the nickname Il Mister, a title still used for managers across Italy today.
Genoa’s success was driven by discipline and style. With Renzo De Vecchi commanding the defence and Cevenini leading the attack, the team perfected a blend of control and creativity. They played in the classic 2-3-5 formation, yet with tactical understanding that foreshadowed later evolutions in European football.
Beyond the silverware, Genoa’s influence was monumental. Garbutt’s methods shaped Italian football’s identity, bridging British order with Italian artistry. He laid the groundwork for Serie A’s tactical sophistication, inspiring future generations of coaches from Pozzo to Sacchi.
Genoa 1922–1924 weren’t just champions — they were visionaries. Their story is one of innovation, heritage, and the dawn of a new football era.
Main Topics
Iconic Moments
William Garbutt’s revolutionary management style
Genoa’s dominance in the early 1920s Italian league
Tactical innovations and fitness culture in Italian football
The 1923 and 1924 championship victories
Genoa’s influence on the development of Serie A
Appointment of William Garbutt as Genoa manager in 1912
Genoa’s back-to-back league titles (1923 & 1924)
Tactical revolution introducing structured training sessions
Early adoption of professional football practices in Italy
Genoa’s rivalry with Pro Vercelli defining the early Serie A era
Garbutt earning the nickname Il Mister, a term still used in Italy today
Notable Manager
William Garbutt
Notable Players
Luigi Burlando, Renzo De Vecchi, Giovanni De Prà, Cevenini III, Ettore Leale, Edoardo Pasteur, Felice Levratto, Alfredo Faccenda, Enrico Sardi, Stefano Bellini
Style of Play
2-3-5 Formation, Early Tactical Innovation, Structured Passing, Professional Fitness Regime, Transitional Play, Positional Interchange
Under William Garbutt, Genoa 1922–1924 combined English structure with Mediterranean expression. Deploying a 2-3-5 “pyramid” formation, Garbutt’s tactical focus lay in balance — disciplined defenders, intelligent half-backs, and interchanging forwards capable of both direct running and short passing combinations.
Garbutt emphasised physical fitness, positional discipline, and tactical awareness at a time when most teams still relied on chaotic individualism. Training sessions introduced stamina drills and coordinated movement — revolutionary concepts in Italy at the time. The defence, marshalled by captain Renzo De Vecchi, was built on organisation and anticipation, while midfielders like Burlando linked phases of play with forward surges and distribution.
In attack, Genoa’s front line — featuring Cevenini, Sardi, and Levratto — showcased early positional interchanges, precursors to what would become known as Total Football. Garbutt encouraged players to think, not just react — an approach that elevated Genoa above their contemporaries.
The result was football that was structured yet expressive — disciplined but stylish. Genoa moved the ball with purpose, pressing high in bursts, and transitioning quickly from defence to attack. Their game was admired for its intelligence, earning Garbutt immense respect across Europe.
Genoa’s success was not merely in trophies but in transformation. They embodied the professional, tactical, and cultural shift that helped Italy embrace football as both sport and science.
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