Florence is a city that feels like it’s frozen in the Renaissance, but on Sundays, that high-brow art history vibe gets tossed out the window for something much louder. If you walk past the Duomo and hear someone screaming about a "scudetto" or a "rigore," they aren't talking about statues. They’re talking about the Florence Italy soccer team, officially known as ACF Fiorentina.
Most tourists come for the steak and the David. They see the purple shirts in shop windows and think, "Oh, neat color." But being a fan of La Viola is actually a bit of a marathon in emotional resilience. Honestly, it’s a lifestyle defined by intense local pride and a healthy dose of skepticism toward anyone from Turin.
The Heartbreak and the Glory
You can't talk about Fiorentina without mentioning the tragedy of January 2026. The club just lost its owner, Rocco Commisso, who passed away at 76. Say what you want about his outspoken nature or his battles with the Italian bureaucracy, but the man put his money where his mouth was. He built Viola Park, which is basically the Disneyland of training centers. It's an indelible part of his legacy now.
The history here isn't just about trophies, though they have two league titles (1956 and 1969) tucked away in the cabinet. It's about the "what ifs." Like the 1982 season. Ask any older Florentine and they’ll swear Juventus stole the title on the final day. "Better to be second than thieves," became the city's unofficial motto after that.
Then you have the 90s. Gabriel Batistuta. "Batigol." He was a god in Florence. When the club went bankrupt in 2002 and had to restart in the fourth tier as "Florentia Viola," it was the fans who kept the lights on. They showed up in the thousands to watch games against semi-pro teams in muddy fields because the shirt mattered more than the division.
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Why the Stadio Artemio Franchi is a Mess (And a Masterpiece)
The stadium situation is, frankly, very Italian. The Stadio Artemio Franchi is a masterpiece of rationalist architecture, designed by Pier Luigi Nervi back in the 30s. It’s got these iconic spiral stairs and a "Marathon Tower" that look incredible in photos.
But for a modern Florence Italy soccer team, it’s a logistical headache.
There’s a massive renovation project happening right now. It was supposed to be done for the club's centenary in 2026, but let’s be real—construction in Italy rarely follows a straight line. Current estimates suggest it might stretch toward 2028 or even 2029.
- The Roof: They’re adding a thin metal blade-shaped roof to cover the stands.
- The Curves: New seating sections are being built closer to the pitch to get rid of the old athletics track.
- The Budget: Costs have ballooned to around €265 million.
The city is scrambling for funds to finish it, especially with Italy’s bid for Euro 2032 on the line. For now, the team is still playing there during the works, which makes for a weird, dusty atmosphere on match days.
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The 2025-2026 Season: A Rollercoaster
If you’re looking at the current table, it’s been a rough ride. As of January 2026, Fiorentina is sitting dangerously low in Serie A, hovering around 18th place. They’ve struggled to turn draws into wins. Just last week, they managed a 1-1 draw against AC Milan thanks to a goal by Pietro Comuzzo, but the consistency just isn't there.
Paolo Vanoli is the man in the hot seat right now. He’s trying to balance a deep run in the UEFA Conference League with a domestic relegation battle. It’s a classic Fiorentina paradox: they can beat Dynamo Kyiv on a Thursday and then lose to a bottom-half Serie A team on Sunday.
Key Players to Watch
- Moise Kean: He’s been the main man up front, leading the team with 5 goals despite some injury niggles.
- David de Gea: Yeah, that David de Gea. He’s 35 now but still pulling off world-class saves at the Franchi.
- Niccolò Fortini: The 19-year-old breakout star. Juventus and Roma are already circling him with offers around €20 million, and the fans are terrified the club will sell him this summer.
- Albert Guðmundsson: The Icelandic forward provides the creative spark, though he’s had a bit of a stop-start season with fitness.
The Juventus Rivalry: It’s Personal
Don't wear black and white stripes in downtown Florence. Just don't.
The hatred for Juventus isn't about geography. It’s about identity. It started with the '82 title race and peaked when the club sold Roberto Baggio—the "Divine Ponytail"—to Juve in 1990. There were literally riots in the streets. To this day, when Juventus comes to town, the Curva Fiesole (the hardcore fan section) puts on a tifo display that belongs in the Uffizi Gallery.
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How to actually experience the team
If you’re in Florence and want to see the Florence Italy soccer team play, don't just buy a ticket and sit there. You’ve gotta do it right.
Go to a bar near Campo di Marte a few hours before kickoff. Drink a Negroni or a Forst beer. Eat a panino con lampredotto (tripe sandwich) from a street stall. It’s the local ritual. When the "Inno della Fiorentina" plays over the speakers and the whole stadium sings "Garrisca al vento il labaro viola," you’ll get it. It’s not just sports; it’s a 90-minute exercise in being Florentine.
The team might be struggling in the standings right now, and the stadium might be a construction zone, but that’s almost part of the charm. It’s a club that reflects the city: beautiful, stubborn, and fiercely independent.
Actionable Steps for Fans and Travelers
- Check the Schedule: If you're visiting, look for "Home" matches at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Tickets are usually available on the official ACF Fiorentina website, but for big games against Juve or Inter, you need to book weeks in advance.
- Visit Viola Park: Even if there isn't a game, head out to Bagno a Ripoli to see the training ground. It's one of the best facilities in Europe and has a public bar and restaurant.
- Learn the Basics: Familiarize yourself with names like Giancarlo Antognoni. He’s the club’s greatest icon. Mentioning his name will get you instant respect in any local cafe.
- Dress the Part: Buy a purple scarf, but avoid "official" gear from tourist traps. Look for the small shops near the stadium for more authentic fan merchandise.