Historical Crests US Pistoia

Name: ​ ​ US Pistoia

Nickname(s): ​ Arancioni (Orange)

Founded: ​ Founded: 1921 (Refounded: 1937, 1945, 1988, 2009)

Stadium: ​ ​ Marcello Melani (Pistoia)

Capacity: ​ 13,195

US Pistoiese 1921 Crest History

The earliest badges used during the first half of the twentieth century were relatively simple and centred on the initials USP (Unione Sportiva Pistoiese). These monograms established the visual identity of the club and reinforced the importance of the orange colour that had become synonymous with football in Pistoia.

Following the refoundation of US Pistoiese 1921 in 2009, the club deliberately returned to a more traditional identity. A vintage-inspired badge was adopted, drawing heavily on the historic monograms and visual elements used during the club's early decades. The redesign symbolised a return to the club's roots and accompanied Pistoiese's climb back through the Italian football pyramid.

For the club's centenary in 2021, a special commemorative crest was introduced. The badge combined elements from numerous historical logos used throughout the club's first hundred years. At its centre was the traditional USP monogram, while two stylised micchi—the bears that are symbols of Pistoia—appeared as guardians of the crest. The years 1921 and 2021 were prominently displayed to celebrate the club's hundredth anniversary.

Following the centenary season, Pistoiese adopted a simplified USP monogram as its primary crest. The design reflected the club's desire to emphasise tradition and reconnect with its earliest visual identity while maintaining a modern appearance.

A new chapter began in 2024 following the club's restructuring and rebirth as Pistoiese Football Club. A redesigned logo was introduced featuring the initials FCP and modern graphic elements inspired by the club's historic symbols and orange identity. The new crest sought to balance innovation with tradition while creating a visual identity suited to a new era of the club's history.

US Pistoiese 1921 Club History

Founded in 1921 as Unione Sportiva Pistoiese, the club represents the city of Pistoia in Tuscany and is one of the region's most historic football institutions. The team adopted the distinctive orange colours that would eventually earn it the nickname Arancioni ("The Oranges"), making Pistoiese one of the few professional clubs in Europe to be identified primarily by orange.

The most successful period in the club's history came during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Under president Marcello Melani, Pistoiese achieved rapid progress and emerged as one of the strongest provincial clubs in Italy.

A historic milestone was reached in 1980, when Pistoiese secured promotion to Serie A for the first time. The achievement transformed the club and the city, bringing top-flight football to Pistoia and placing the Arancioni among Italy's elite.

The 1980–81 Serie A season remains the most famous campaign in the club's history. Although Pistoiese's stay in the top flight lasted only one season, competing against clubs such as Juventus, Milan, Inter and Roma remains one of the proudest moments in the club's history.

During this era, Pistoiese became known throughout Italy as the "Olandesina" ("Little Dutch Girl") because of its orange shirts, which resembled those of the Netherlands national team. The nickname remains closely associated with the club today.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Pistoiese remained a respected club within the Italian lower leagues. The team continued to produce talented players and maintained strong support despite increasingly difficult financial circumstances.

A major setback arrived in 2009, when the club declared bankruptcy and was excluded from professional football. A new organisation, US Pistoiese 1921, was subsequently established to preserve the club's traditions, colours and history.

The club celebrated its centenary in 2021, marking one hundred years of football history in Pistoia. The occasion highlighted the club's enduring importance to the city despite the many sporting and financial challenges encountered throughout its existence.

Another difficult chapter arrived in 2024, when financial problems once again led to the collapse of the existing company. Football in Pistoia survived through the creation of Pistoiese Football Club, ensuring that the city's orange football tradition would continue.

Pistoiese plays its home matches at the Stadio Marcello Melani, named after the president who guided the club to its historic Serie A promotion. 

Historically, Pistoiese's main rivalries are with fellow Tuscan clubs including Prato, Lucchese, Pisa, Livorno and Empoli. Matches against neighbouring Prato are particularly significant and are among the most passionately contested fixtures in the region.

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