Nickname(s): The Dark Reds

All-Time Ranking: 35th

2007/2008 Finish: 16th

2008/2009 Position (as of 04/07): 20th

Coach: Nevio Orlandi

Key Players: Andrea Costa, Bernardo Corradi, Franco Brienza

History:

Reggina has traditionally been an unsuccessful Italian side and never even reached Serie A until 1999. After going back down to Serie B, they managed to fight their way back to the top flight only to become embroiled in the ugly 2006 match-fixing scandal. Despite the fact they were penalized several points, they managed to stay in Serie A.

But, Reggina appears poised to head back to Serie B once again since they are in last place (and four points below the 19th spot) and have an ugly -27 goal differential, the worst in the league. Due to their poor play (which is, in turn, due to the paltry funds they have available to spend on players), Reggina will likely be relegated at the end of this season.

American Sports Doppleganger:

Reggina has never been a force in Italian soccer and its current plight leads one to believe they never will be either. Thus, they remind me of the Minnesota Timberwolves of the NBA. Like Reggina, the Timberwolves simply lack the money to hold on to many of the players they develop, resulting in their utter inability to compete for titles.