5️⃣ things you need to know about Fiorentina - more than just Batistuta | OneFootball

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To celebrate, we are delving into the history and traditions of some of Serie A’s most storied clubs, exploring the beauty and passion which makes them so fascinating and unique.

Today we are looking at…

Who are Fiorentina?

Fiorentina are the only club in the Tuscan city of Florence, making them fiercely supported in the local area.

The location of the club in one of the most culturally appreciated cities in the world, the purple colour of their shirts and their often underdog status make this side popular among neutrals.

Founded in 1926, they are one of the oldest clubs in Italy, and are located just a stone’s throw from the Italian national team’s headquarters at Coverciano.

Their most famous ever player is of course Gabriel Batistuta, who netted 203 goals in 331 appearances for the club over a nine-year spell.

In 2018, the club was thrust into the spotlight for tragic reasons when their captain Davide Astori suffered heart difficulties and passed away suddenly in his hotel room before an away match at Udinese.

What is the Stadio Artemio Franchi like?

Fiorentina’s stadium is one of many in Italy that was built during the Benito Mussolini era as an example of Fascist power.

The structure is made entirely of concrete, and features an ornate main entrance in art deco style.

These unique qualities have made the Stadio Artemio Franchi a listed building in Italy, but having been opened back in 1931, it has been in need of repair for some time.

Those renovations have begin, funded by the city council, with the Curva Fiesole currently closed and the Ultras rehoused at the opposite end in the Curva Maratona.

Who are their Ultras?

There are many different Ultra groups that usually reside in the Curva Fiesole, but the one thing that unites the whole of the Fiorentina fanbase is a hatred for Juventus.

This was intensified when star player Roberto Baggio was sold to their bitter Torinese rivals in 1990, a move that sparked riots on the streets of Florence.

Atalanta and Napoli are also on their rivalry list and things often get feisty when they come to town.

The Ultras are on much friendlier terms with Hellas Verona fans, with whom they share a gemellaggio (twinning) and they are also closely linked with Torino, largely due to the shared hatred of Juventus.

While many Ultra groups in Italy have a political standpoint, Fiorentina supporters are neutral and often put their support behind local good causes.

What is Florence famous for?

Tourists flock from all over the world to Florence to see famous Renaissance treasures such as Michelangelo’s statue of David, the magnificent Duomo that dominates the skyline and the art treasures of the Ufizzi gallery.

One thing that makes Florence really stand out though, is the historic football (Calcio Storico) that is played every June in Piazza Santa Croce.

Opposite the church, a brutal MMA style of football is played, where players can pick up the ball with their hands and essentially fight it out to become the winner.

Four sides from each quarter of the city take part in this sport where head-butting, punching, elbowing, and choking are all allowed in the rules.

Their biggest achievement?

Fiorentina were founded back in 1926, and have played the majority of their existence (87 seasons) in the Italian top flight. Only Inter (93), Juventus (92), Roma (92) and Milan (91) have spent more time in Serie A.

That dominance hasn’t translated into silverware though, as Fiorentina have only won two league titles, back in 1956 and again in 1969.

On reaching the Conference League Final in 2023, the Tuscan side became the only club to have reached all four major finals of European competition but came runners up in all except the Cup Winners Cup in 1961.

Despite a relatively empty trophy cabinet, Fiorentina have succeeded in capturing the hearts of the romantics.

Sponsors of the famous purple shirts such as 7up, Italian ice cream brand Sammontana and Nintendo have were all 1990’s classics, and iconic players such as Roberto Baggio, Rui Costa and Gabriel Batistuta make La Viola a favourite second team for many.

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