A 50-minute punch-up on a sandy pitch with the aim of getting the ball in the back of the net sounds like a mess, but there is some skill and precision required here. Blast it over the bar and the other team get a half goal. Only one referee with the help of six officials has to control and keep an eye on every form of chaos amongst the 54 players. In one of the more recent fixtures a player punched the referee, forfeiting the game for his side.
Last year, the Whites overcame the Reds in a nail-biting final winning 6-5.5 and taking the title of victors of the city. Highlights can be found on Youtube, as summarising such an affair myself I fear is a little beyond me. After winning the title, the victorious side traditionally eat as much of the famous Florentine Bistecca alla Fiorentina as they can possibly consume.
If you’re thinking this may be the sport for you, I’m afraid unless you were born in Florence it’ll remain but a dream. Nevertheless, with the first semi-finals on 10th and 11th June you can enjoy a little bit of a different spectacle before your nice evening Italian wine. It’s not exactly cheap, with tickets ranging from 29 euros to 80, but it is a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Sport
SOURCE: MICHAEL STEELE
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