In Casale Monferrato, specifically at the corner of Via Roma and Piazza Mazzini, lies a place steeped in history: the Drogheria Corino. Established in 1764, it holds the distinction of being Italy`s oldest general store. In recent years, entrepreneur Augusto Racca has transformed it into a Krumireria, where amidst vintage memorabilia and antique furnishings, 26 varieties of the traditional Casale Krumiri biscuits, first created in 1878, are served. Racca, a visionary farmer, reinvented the space, explaining, “It was impossible to sell traditional general store products.” It now operates as an elegant bar bistrot, where the emphasis on high-quality raw ingredients is paramount.
A Football Legacy Uncovered
However, the real surprise awaits downstairs. Descending a stone staircase leading to arched ceilings, one discovers another, unexpected, history: that of football. This is home to the museum of Casale F.C., a club that achieved an incredible and unique Scudetto victory in 1914. Despite subsequent bankruptcies, name changes, and bitter setbacks, the team has never lost the unwavering loyalty of its true supporters. Augusto Racca, a devoted fan, decided to host the museum in his premises, supporting the initiative of Massimo Ogliaro, Luca Trombin, and Andrea Marangon, who hold the black and starred team close to their hearts. These enthusiasts have dedicated time and resources to finding collector jerseys and memorabilia of all kinds. “Finding Casale relics has been a huge undertaking,” they recount, “and every day we work to find new ones, thanks also to our friend Giovanni Cerruti.”
The museum showcases an authentic black jersey adorned with the five-pointed star, symbolizing the beloved team that also boasts a Coppa Italia Dilettanti (Amateur Italian Cup) won in `99. Displayed are pennants, historic photos, posters, postcards, cups, plaques, documents, and publications. A special showcase preserves shoes and a football from the last Casale team that played in Serie A in the mid-1930s. A large photograph celebrates the champions who defeated everyone: Mattea, Giovanni Gallina, Scrivano, Rosa, Parodi, Barberini, Varese, Maggiani, and, crouching, Bertinotti, Angelo Gallina (the goalkeeper), and Ravetti. While living off memories, the project`s founders also look to the present, with the team currently in Promozione (a regional league) and the hope of reaching Eccellenza (a higher regional league).
The museum is organized into five rooms: the largest dedicated to the club`s history, one to fan culture, one to jerseys of major clubs, one to the National Team, and one to volleyball, a nod to Luca`s personal connection to the sport (his son currently plays in Serie A in Acqui Terme). Racca, in his spirit of hospitality, even offers Krumiri as a complimentary gift to referees.
The Art of Krumiri Biscuits
Returning upstairs, the focus shifts back to the biscuits. The Krumiri are made with just five high-quality ingredients: “wholemeal flour from our estate using only ancient grains, butter, organic eggs, beet sugar, and Madagascar vanilla.” Augusto is proud of his production, which also includes savory versions (tomato and oregano, anchovies, Parmigiano Reggiano, onion) and sweet varieties, such as gluten-free and lactose-free options, or those with chocolate. “In winter, I coat Krumiri with Domori chocolate.” In Casale, the most recent significant football moment was the rise of Junior Messias, who grew up here and is now with Genoa. But for the true Casale fans, the only thing that matters is their team, whose story is told in this museum, where donations are always welcome to acquire new material and enrich the collection.
