Have you ever been to a game of calcio in Italy? The favorite Italian pastime, calcio (or soccer) is taken more seriously by Italians than football is by Americans! Here in Florence, the Florentines are strong supporters (tifosi) of their beloved “Viola”. To fully experience and appreciate this Italian passion for calcio, you must go at least once to see Florence’s team, ACF Fiorentina, also known simply as La Fiorentina, or La Viola, play at Artemio Franchi stadium.
The six most popular Italian teams are nicknamed according to their team colors: Napoli (gli Azzurri), Roma (i Giallorossi), Juventus (i Bianconeri), Internazionale Milano (i Nerazzurri), Milano (i Rossoneri), and Fiorentina (i Viola). These are the top teams that are almost always in Serie A. At the end of each season, the three teams with the lowest number of points are relegated to Serie B, while their previous positions in the Serie A bracket are taken by the the top three Serie B teams.
All matches are held rain or shine—even snow does not keep the giocatori from playing! Calcio is, above all else, about loyalty to one’s team, so don’t be surprised if you witness a fight or two—verbal or physical—between players and fans alike, that arise from deeply rooted rivalries and team pride. In Italy, calcio is serious business! Regardless of these conflicts, there is still plenty of fun to be had. Cheer, boo the opposing team, wear your team’s jersey, scarf, or colors, and maybe even learn a chant or two.
To watch the Viola play in Florence at Stadio Artemio Franchi, just make the 20 minute walk from the city center to the stadium, located at Viale Manfredo Fanti 14. The #7, 17, and 20 buses also run regularly to the stadium.
For tickets, check online or go directly to the stadium (ask for tickets at Bar Marisa, opposite the main entrance). But be warned, tickets go quickly—the Florentine tifosi are dedicated! The Student Life Office here at SUF can also be a great resource to find tickets.
If you are interested in playing a game of calcio against native Florentine players, talk to Jim Kauffman (Jkauffma@syr.edu), who organizes calcetto tournaments between American and Florentine students every semester. Forza Viola!
SUF calcetto team vs University o Florence
VISIT: MUSEO DEL CALCIO www.museodelcalcio.it
Il volantino con il testo de “La Canzone Viola” del 1930
Lo storico inno ufficiale della Fiorentina
Garrisca al vento il labaro viola
Sui campi della sfida e del valore
una speranza viva ci consola
abbiamo undici atleti ed un solo cuore!
Rit. Oh Fiorentina
di ogni squadra ti vogliam regina
Oh Fiorentina
conobatti ovunque ardita e con valor
nell’ora di sconforto o di vittoria
ricorda che del calcio è tua la storia!
Maglia viola lotta con vigore
per esser di Firenze vanto e gloria
sul tuo vessillo scrivi Forza e Cuore
e nostra sarà sempre la vittoria!
Rit. Oh Fiorentina….
PS . Check in You Tube!
