The 1936–37 season featured the inauguration of Modena's new stadium, dedicated to Cesare Marzari, a former gialloblu played killed in the war in Africa.

During these years, the name was changed to Modena Calcio following directives of the regime aimed at eliminating all foreign words in the sports lexicon.

The 1939–40 campaign was the year when the numbers first appeared on the shirts of players, but at the end of the season, the yellow and blue were relegated to Serie B.

In the following season, the club was dramatically saved from relegation on the final day, beating local rivals Bologna in the derby.

[18][19] The 1989–90 season saw Modena promoted back to Serie B, led by their manager Renzo Ulivieri and goalkeeper Marco Ballotta who allowed a record low 9 goals conceded in 34 games.

In 1991–92, following the departure of Ulivieri for Vicenza, Modena was again saved from relegation on the final day, beating Messina 2–1.

Modena begin their stint back in the top flight with a humbling 0–3 defeat at the hand of Milan, but followed it up with a historic 2–1 victory against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

The task fell to former club president Romano Amadei, who re-founded the club and registered it in time for the 2018–19 Serie D.[24] Former Modena sports director Doriano Tosi returned and former manager Luigi Apolloni, who gained promotion to Serie C with Parma in 2016, was appointed manager.

In 2022, Modena finally won back a spot in the Italian second division, following a successful 2021–22 Serie C season under the guidance of experienced manager Attilio Tesser which saw them winning the Group B title with a two-point margin over rivals Reggiana.

[26] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.