A Journey Through the History of Soccer in Florence
- mschaeffer1
- Jun 3, 2023
- 5 min read
By Maura Schaeffer
Soccer, known as "calcio" in Italy, holds a special place in the hearts of millions of Italians and is an integral part of the country's cultural fabric. The history of soccer in Italy is a captivating journey that brings together stories of triumph, passion, and national identity. This sport has profoundly impacted the country's culture, identity, and sporting tradition, especially in Florence.
Early Beginnings
The origins of soccer in Italy can be traced back to the late 19th century when the sport was introduced by British expatriates and Italian students who had studied in England. The first recorded match took place in Turin in 1891, between British and Italian teams. Games were played in the city's piazzas and Florence was at the forefront of it.
The foundation of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) was founded in 1898. It became one of the earliest national football governing bodies in the world. The FIGC was responsible for organizing and regulating soccer competitions in Italy.
Rise to Popularity
In 1926, Associazione Calcio Fiorentina, or AC Fiorentina, was born. The club quickly established itself as a symbol of Florentine pride. Its purple and white colors became synonymous with the city, and the passionate supporters flocked to the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
Fiorentina started competing in regional leagues and gradually gained recognition and support from local fans. The club's early successes included winning the Coppa Toscana in 1929 and 1930.
In the 1930s, Fiorentina's fortunes took a positive turn. The club achieved promotion to the top-flight league, Serie A, for the first time in the 1931-1932 season. This marked a significant milestone for Fiorentina and solidified its position among the elite teams in Italian soccer.
Fiorentina's ascent to popularity continued in the post-World War II era. The club secured its first major success by winning the Coppa Italia (Italian Cup) in 1940, marking its first significant trophy. This victory, combined with their attractive style of play and growing fan base, laid the foundation for Fiorentina's popularity to soar.
Fiorentina's popularity has also been fueled by notable players who have worn the purple jersey. Icons such as Giancarlo Antognoni, Gabriel Batistuta, and Roberto Baggio have left an indelible mark on the club's history, capturing the imagination of fans with their talent and achievements.
Despite challenges and fluctuations in performance, Fiorentina's loyal fan base remains strong, ensuring that the club's rise to popularity is an ongoing and captivating story in Italian soccer.
Iconic Jerseys
The history of the Florence soccer jersey is closely tied to the city's renowned soccer club, ACF Fiorentina. Fiorentina, also known as La Viola (The Purple), has a distinctive purple jersey that has become iconic in Italian soccer.
In the mid-1930s, Fiorentina underwent a transformation under the ownership of Luigi Ridolfi. Ridolfi decided to change the team's colors to purple, inspired by the historic Medici family, who ruled over Florence. The color purple, associated with nobility and elegance, reflected Ridolfi's vision of making Fiorentina a prominent and respected club.
In 1978, Fiorentina signed a sponsorship deal with the French sportswear brand, Le Coq Sportif. This partnership led to the introduction of a new design for the Florence soccer jersey. The purple jersey featured a central white stripe, prominently displayed by the Le Coq Sportif logo.
Throughout its history, the Florence soccer jersey has become a symbol of pride for Fiorentina fans and a recognizable feature of the club's identity. The distinctive purple color has contributed to the jersey's iconic status in Italian soccer, making it instantly identifiable on the field.
Store Owner Leonardo Verga says that "I am selling so many of these jerseys. It is great to see so many people wanting to cheer on the Florence team and wear it proudly."
Culture Soccer Created
From the bustling bars and cafes adorned with team scarves to the passionate conversations among fans, you'll feel the heartbeat of soccer pulsating through the cobblestone streets. Catching a match at the Stadio Artemio Franchi or joining a local fan club will provide an unforgettable experience.
The city's bars and piazzas come alive before and after games, where fans gather to discuss tactics, share stories, and celebrate victories. Soccer serves as a unifying force, bringing people from different backgrounds together, and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and belonging.
Furthermore, Florence's soccer culture intertwines with the broader Italian soccer tradition. The city's fans passionately support the Italian national team, the Azzurri, during major international tournaments, embodying the national pride and unity that soccer inspires across Italy.
Picture 1 (Left): AC Fiorentina scarf found on a random bike.
Picture 2 (Middle): One of many stores that sells soccer apparel including soccer balls.
Picture 3 (Right): Florence soccer team scarf for sale outside of Santa Croce Church.
As soccer grew bigger and bigger throughout its history, so did the fan base and their passion for the game. Without the fans, soccer in Italy would not be the same.
Florence local Antonio Romano says that "I love the soccer culture in Florence. I feel more connected to the city and even the country. I have a lot of pride for Florence and I am proud to be a Viola. Italy is forever!"
Different Way of Soccer
While modern soccer thrives in Florence, the city also boasts a unique and ancient sport called Calcio Storico. Dating back to the 16th century, this rough-and-tumble game combines elements of soccer, rugby, and wrestling. Calcio Storico is actually considered an early predecessor of soccer and holds historical significance in the development of football as a whole. It is believed to have influenced the game's early development, along with other ancient ball games played in different parts of Europe. These early forms of football contributed to the evolution of the sport and the establishment of standardized rules.
Today, Calcio Storico continues to be played in Florence, particularly during the traditional Calcio Storico Fiorentino tournament held annually in June. It is held in Piazza Santa Croce as a celebration of Florentine heritage. The tournament attracts locals and tourists alike, showcasing the historical and cultural significance of the sport.
Florence local Antonio Romano says that "Everyone in Florence looks forward to the match and I love how it brings everyone together. It is so much fun and the energy is high."
The soccer culture in Florence embodies passion, loyalty, and a strong sense of identity. The support for ACF Fiorentina runs deep, creating an electric atmosphere in the Stadio Artemio Franchi and bringing the city alive during game days. The love for soccer in Florence extends beyond the boundaries of the club, embracing community engagement, local rivalries, and the broader Italian soccer tradition. Soccer has been a source of pride and passion for everyone in the community. It is a culture that unites people, fuels their collective spirit, and creates lifelong bonds among fans who share a common love for the beautiful game.
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