CALCIO STORICO
BY YOUR SPORTS EDITOR, WILL HOLMES
ITALY'S GLADIATORIAL FOOTBALL
It’s a knockout!
THERE ARE
WHEN YOU THINK OF FLORENCE you probably imagine the genteel tourists, admiring the churches and works of art, strolling in the Boboli gardens or enjoying a gelato in the sun. However, Florence itself cannot ignore its gladiatorial Roman roots.
Each year four teams of Florentines fulfil the Italian bloodlust with punching, wrestling, kicking & headbutting as they come head to head in the Piazza Santa Croce to play an interesting game of football. This uniquely Florentine event dates back to the 15th century and is currently immensely popular, not only with Italians but with many others from all over the world. It’s still a hidden secret, though it has made it onto the tourist to-do lists for many.
There are a few rules, though not perhaps what you expect (health and safety not withstanding). The requirements established in 1500s read thus:
Gentleman from 18 years of age to 45, beautiful and vigorous of gallant bearing and good report
500 YEARS OF THE FLORENTINE TWIST ON FOOTBALL IS MORE POPULAR THAN EVER AND CERTAINLY A GREAT WAY TO EXPERIENCE SOMETHING DIFFERENT FROM MICHELANGELO’S DAVID!
4
BUT ONLY
ONE CITY.
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However, latterly - after someone’s ear was bitten off in 1977 - players under 40 and those with serious criminal convictions were excluded. Sucker-punches and kicks to the head are also off limits.
An annual competition - with the final on 24th June - is held between 4 Bianchi (teams) of 27 players each and no subs. Each represent a neighbourhood of Florence with the colours red, white, blue & green. This is more than just a sport, it’s for your neighbourhood’s pride and glory.
Sport
TEAMS