Today in Serie A – March 20, 1983: Genoa Surrender to the “Law of the Partenio” | OneFootball

It will probably take a long time before we see again the iconic green jerseys of Avellino fare in Serie A. The “Hirpinian Wolves” regularly swing between the Serie B and Serie C nowadays but used to be a top-flight staple during the 1980s.

In those days, it was never easy to come home from Avellino with any points in the pocket. Their home turf Stadio Partenio was a small, yet turbulent playing ground where the local fans’ passionate support could really make a difference.

Even the traditional Serie A powerhouses like Juventus, Inter, and Milan learned this the hard way and often ended up surrendering to the so-called “Law of the Partenio,” i.e., came home empty-handed from their trip to Campania.

On March 20, 1983, it was Genoa to suffer a sounding defeat at Avellino’s hands. Avellino won 2-0 with goals from Peruvian winger Gerònimo Barbadillo – whose wild afro hairstyle was an absolute novelty for the average Italian audiences – and midfielder Beniamino Vignola.

Vignola was one of the three players in Avellino’s roster that would eventually be acquired by Juventus, showing how the Hirpinians were indeed an absolute talent pool back in the days. The other two were goalkeeper and future Italy call-up Stefano Tacconi and defender Luciano Favero.

Avellino ended the 1982/83 seasons two points clear of the drop zone, but Genoa managed to avoid relegation as well. The green-dressed Wolves managed to stay in the top-flight until 1988, when they were demoted after a ten-season streak in Serie A, never to be seen again…