Fiorentina

When the Tuscan sun sets over the city of Florence, it casts a purple hue, the very color that embodies the heart and soul of its beloved football team, ACF Fiorentina. The Viola, as they are fondly referred to, owing to their distinctive purple kits, have been thrilling Serie A with their brand of football since 1926.

They’ve bagged two Italian championships, six Coppa Italia titles, and a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. Their first Serie A victory came in the 1955-56 season, and their most recent Coppa Italia win was in 2001. Fiorentina’s journey through time is filled with triumphs, tragedies, and a never-ending passion for the beautiful game.

A Viola Palette: Famous Faces in Purple

Fiorentina has played host to a parade of global soccer stars. Gabriel Batistuta, the Argentine forward, often strikes a chord in the hearts of Fiorentina fans. Batistuta, with his deft touch and sniper-like precision, became the club’s all-time leading scorer, and his legacy still looms large over the Artemio Franchi Stadium.

The Viola have also nurtured talents like Roberto Baggio, who later shone for Juventus and Milan, and Borja Valero, who found success with Inter Milan. There’s also Juan Cuadrado, the vibrant Colombian winger who now bewitches defenders for Juventus.

Passionate Performances: Viola’s Most Sizzling Rivalries

In Serie A, nothing gets the adrenaline pumping like Fiorentina’s intense face-offs with Juventus, a rivalry ignited by controversial transfers and fierce title battles. The “Derby dell’Appennino” against Bologna also sets the stage for regional pride, adding an extra layer of intrigue to these Serie A encounters.

Fiorentina’s duels extend beyond Italy’s borders, with memorable clashes against Rangers in the UEFA Cup and Arsenal in the Champions League making the Viola a recognized name on the international stage.

Artemio Franchi Stadium: A Guide to the Viola’s Home Ground

If Florence is the canvas, then the Artemio Franchi Stadium, named after a former FIFA President, is the frame that brings the Viola’s artistry to life. With its distinctive ‘D’ shape and towering Maratona Stand, this stadium offers a footballing experience steeped in history.

For those who want a taste of the local atmosphere, a seat in the Curva Fiesole, typically priced around €25, is the perfect choice. This is where the most ardent Fiorentina fans, the ‘ultras,’ create a pulsating atmosphere with their songs and chants.

If you are looking for a more relaxed experience, you might consider the Tribuna Onore, with tickets ranging from €75-€110. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the match and take in the architectural grandeur of the stadium.

For the budget-conscious, the Gradinata seats, offering a decent view of the action for around €35, are the way to go.

Closing Whistle

From memorable victories to iconic players, ACF Fiorentina embodies the spirit and passion of Italian football. Whether it’s the intense rivalry matches or the captivating atmosphere of the Artemio Franchi Stadium, being a part of the Viola’s journey is nothing short of a wild, thrilling rollercoaster ride. So, strap in and enjoy the ride with Florence’s pride, and remember, in this city, everything looks better in purple!

There is More to Know

• Financial Collapse and Rebirth: Fiorentina faced financial ruin and was relegated to the fourth tier of Italian football in 2002 due to bankruptcy. However, the club was quickly reformed and began a remarkable rise back to Serie A by 2004.
• Unique Record: Gabriel Batistuta holds a unique record in Serie A for scoring in 11 consecutive matches during the 1994-95 season, a record that remained unbeaten for over two decades.
• Only Italian Club to Reach Final Without Conceding a Goal: Fiorentina holds the unique distinction of being the only Italian club to reach a European competition final without conceding a single goal. They achieved this in the 1960-61 season of the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, although they lost the final to Rangers.
• Iconic Jersey: Fiorentina’s purple jersey is unique among Italian clubs and is said to have been inspired by the city’s aristocratic history.
• International Success: Despite their domestic triumphs, Fiorentina has also made a mark internationally. The Viola won the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1961 and have had successful campaigns in the UEFA Champions League.
• Florence Derby: The club has a historical rivalry with Pisa, known as the “Derby Arno”, named after the Arno River that flows through both cities. However, this match is less frequent due to the two teams often being in different leagues.
• Retired Number: Fiorentina retired the number 10 shirt in 2000 in honor of Roberto Baggio’s contribution to the club. However, the number was later reintroduced when Baggio made a return to the club.