Team Profile: ACF Fiorentina

Fiorentina’s achievements, while modest compared to Italy’s biggest clubs, hold enormous emotional value for their fans. 

The club’s two Serie A titles which were won in 1955–56 and 1968–69 are still celebrated as golden eras, when Fiorentina stood proudly at the top of Italian football. 

Success in the Coppa Italia and deep runs in Europe, including recent appearances in the UEFA Conference League finals, have reminded fans of Fiorentina’s enduring potential. For the Viola faithful, it’s not just about silverware, but how it’s earned—with passion, style, and identity. 

Every trophy represents the pride of a city that values beauty, resilience, and loyalty. In Florence, Fiorentina’s victories are felt not just in the stadium, but in the streets, piazzas, and hearts of the people.

Fiorentina’s anthem, “Oh Fiorentina”, is a stirring symbol of the club’s identity and the soul of Florence itself. 

Written in 1930 and adopted as the official club anthem, it is played before every home match at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, rousing the Curva Fiesole and the entire stadium into a chorus of pride and emotion. 

Sung in Italian with a distinct Florentine flair, the anthem celebrates the club’s colours, courage, and connection to the city. Its passionate refrain—“Forza Viola!”—echoes through the stands as flags wave and scarves are held aloft, uniting fans of all generations. 

For Fiorentina supporters, the anthem is not just a song—it’s a ritual, a declaration of love, and a reminder that being Viola is not simply about football, but about belonging to Florence’s proud, artistic, and defiant spirit.

The ‘Seven Sisters’

Fiorentina was proudly considered one of Italy’s “Sette Sorelle” — the “Seven Sisters” of Italian football. 

This term emerged in the 1990s to describe the seven most ambitious and competitive clubs in Serie A, capable of challenging for domestic and European honours: Juventus, Inter, Milan, Roma, Lazio, Parma, and Fiorentina. 

At the time, Fiorentina were bolstered by stars like Gabriel Batistuta, Rui Costa, and Francesco Toldo and they were a regular top-four contender, playing attractive football and competing in Europe.

Being one of the Seven Sisters reflects Fiorentina’s historical stature and potential. Though the club has not always matched its bigger rivals in spending power or consistency, its passionate fanbase, proud identity, and rich history have cemented its place among Italy’s elite. 

Even through difficult times, including relegation and financial collapse in the early 2000s, Fiorentina’s resilience and rebirth have kept them within the conversation as a sleeping giant – still capable of great nights, great football, and great comebacks.

Recently, they have been in two Conference League finals and one Coppa Italia final only to lose all three.

In 2026, it will be Viola’s 100 year anniversary. 

Recently after noticing 1926 graffiti around the city my friend was confused that she thought it was connected to the local post code but her partner said: “No, that’s when suffering started – it’s when we were born!”

Club overview

• Full Name: Associazione Calcio Firenze Fiorentina
• Founded: August 29, 1926 (re-founded in 2002)
• Nickname(s): La Viola (The Purple), I Gigliati (The Lilies)
• Stadium: Stadio Artemio Franchi (Capacity: 43,000)
• Owner: Rocco Commisso (Italian-American businessman)
• Manager (2025): Stefano Pioli

Based in Florence, one of Italy’s most culturally rich and beautiful cities, Fiorentina is a club that combines artistry, passion, and a fierce sense of identity. 

Though not among Italy’s most trophy-laden clubs, Fiorentina’s loyal fanbase and commitment to beautiful football have earned it deep respect.

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Major achievements

• Serie A titles: 2 (1955–56, 1968–69)
• Coppa Italia: 6 (most recently in 2000–01)
• Supercoppa Italiana: 1 (1996)
• European Cup Finalist: 1956–57 (lost to Real Madrid)
• UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup Finalist: 1961–62
• UEFA Conference League Finalist: 2022–23 & 2023–24

Despite limited recent silverware, Fiorentina consistently punches above its weight in Europe and domestically, maintaining a strong footballing identity based on flair and creativity.

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Club Legends

• Giancarlo Antognoni – “Il Capitano”, the beating heart of Fiorentina in the 1970s and ’80s. Elegant and loyal.
• Gabriel Batistuta – Iconic Argentine striker and all-time top scorer. Fiercely loved by fans, he led the line with power and passion.
• Julinho – Brazilian winger who lit up Florence in the 1950s with flair and skill.
• Kurt Hamrin – Swedish forward who was instrumental in the 1960s success.
• Francesco Toldo – Legendary goalkeeper of the 1990s, a symbol of the Viola’s strong defensive era.
• Roberto Baggio – Brief but unforgettable spell at the club in the late ’80s before his controversial transfer to Juventus – which led to the fans rioting in the streets.
• Rui Costa and Enrico Chiesa – Other stars who helped define Fiorentina’s attacking identity in the modern era.

There has to be a special mention for Giuseppe Rossi – he was on Fiorentina’s books for four years but struggled with injuries and only played 34 league games. 

He seems a strange one to get a special mention BUT he has a special relationship with Viola fans especially due to his 14-minute hat-trick against bitter rivals Juventus on 20 October 2013. It was the team’s first win against Juve in 15 years! 

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Rivalries

Juventus (The Most Hated Rival)

• The rivalry stems from a controversial title race in 1981–82 and intensified when Fiorentina sold Baggio to Juve in 1990.
• Deep-rooted hostility between fans; no love lost here.

Fiorentina fans refer to Juventini as Gobbi – “Gobbo” is the Italian word for “hunchback”. In Italian culture, “gobbo” can refer to a hunchback character, like the main character of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Last season’s choreography at the home game caused controversy as the Ultras released their display which was simple and to the point: “Juve Merda”.

This led to a hefty fine but as one person told a friend: “It was incredible, and now the children of Florence know the truth!”

Bologna

• Known by some as the “Derby dell’Appennino”
• Regional rivalry based on proximity and historical competitiveness.
• Less intense than Juventus but still meaningful to both fanbases.

Empoli and Siena

• Tuscan rivalries that are more local and occasional, depending on league placement. For the last away game (09-2024) thousands of Ultras all made the short journey together to Empoli on scooters.

Pisa

• Another Tuscan rivalry – this one is a rare one and it’s more of a case that Pisa fans hate Fiorentina rather than the other way around. They last met in the league back in the 1990-91 when Viola won both games 4-0.

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Friendships

• Hellas Verona: Exchanges between fan groups, with mutual appreciation. Fans often meet up and drink together – this is Fiorentina’s primary twinning.
• Torino: Shared sense of tragedy and tradition. Respectful bond between ultras. Plus, also a shared hatred for Juventus!
• Catanzaro – The twinning between the fans of Catanzaro and Fiorentina is a historic bond that began in the 1981/82 season, when Catanzaro faced Juventus on the final matchday while Fiorentina was competing for the league title. The Calabrian fans gave Juventus a hostile reception, creating a strong connection with the Fiorentina supporters, who in turn appreciated the gesture. This episode led to the official formation of the twinning, which has lasted for over forty years.

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Ultras and fan culture

“Unonoveduesei” (1926) – the group name comes from the year of birth of Fiorentina. They are the biggest Ultra group that decides choreographies and runs the chants at the Curva.

Then you have “Quelli di sempre” (the die hard fans) the most important Ultras group after Unonoveduesei.

Curva Fiesole

• The home of Fiorentina’s passionate ultras.
• Known for creative banners, strong anti-Juventus sentiment, and loyal, vibrant support.
• Other ultra groups include:
  • Viola Club Viesseux
  • 7 Bello
  • Ultras Viola

The fans are deeply tied to Florence’s civic identity, and view the club as an extension of the city’s dignity, independence, and artistic soul.

At the moment the Ultras are based in the Curva Ferrovia due to ongoing work on Curva Fiesole – this is expected (hoped) to be completed next summer.

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Ticket information

• Official Website: https://www.acffiorentina.com
• Where to Buy:
  • Online through the club’s official site or VivaTicket
  • Ticket offices at the stadium
  • Fiorentina Points around Florence (e.g., near Piazza della Repubblica)
• Pricing: Reasonable compared to bigger Serie A clubs. Prices rise for games against Juventus or Milan.

Tips:

• Bring ID or passport.
• Buy in advance for high-profile games.
• Away section tickets are limited and tightly regulated.

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How to get to stadio Artemio Franchi

• Location: Viale Manfredo Fanti, Florence (Campo di Marte area)
• Train:
  • Take a regional train to Campo di Marte Station – 5–10 min walk to stadium.
• Bus:
  • Bus lines 17 and 20 connect from central Florence to near the stadium.
• Walking:
  • Around 30–40 minutes from the historic centre (if you enjoy walking through Florence’s beautiful streets).

Matchday Tip:

Police presence is strong for big matches; expect checkpoints, especially for games against Juventus.

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Where to eat and drink before the game

Local Spots Near the Stadium:

• Bar Stadio – Right outside the stadium. Popular with locals for panini and beers.
• Bar Marisa – A fun place where Ultras often go before the game.
• Green Store Pub – La Guerrina – Officially known to locals as La Guerrina but to visitors and Google as the Green Store. They have lots of really good beers and they serve the best Guinness in Florence.
• Moonshine – A great place to go before the game. You’ll find a mix of Ultras and passionate fans here. 
• Wine Lab – Vino sfuso – Located on Via Vincenzo Gioberti. A perfect place if you’d prefer a good quality wine at a good price.
• L’Angelo Del Mare – Great place for fish. Not cheap but worth it. 
• Il Vecchio e il Mare – great pizza and pasta. Top tip is to try their coccoli – maybe the best in Florence.
• Icchebab – A Florentine kebab place that is really good.

Remember there are a number of street food trucks outside the stadium – they are a fair price. I’d recommend trying ‘Lamprodotto’. It’s a traditional Florentine dish, made from the cow’s fourth stomach, and not for everyone! Other good options are salsicca (sausage) or porchetta (pork).

In the City Centre:

• Mercato Centrale (San Lorenzo) – Huge variety of Tuscan street food and wine bars. Upstairs is a little touristy but worth visiting especially as there’s something for everyone.
• Trattoria Mario – Legendary spot for steak lovers – bookings needed. Some excellent anti-Juventus pictures downstairs!
• Zaza – Next to Trattoria Mario. Well worth visiting but make sure you sit inside and enjoy the cool interior.
• Antica Trattoria da Dito – A great place for steak and pasta.

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What Fiorentina means to Florence

Fiorentina is more than a football club – it’s a symbol of Florence’s unique character: artistic, proud, rebellious, and fiercely independent. 

The team wears purple like nobility and plays with the fire of a city that once led the Renaissance. 

For Florentines, supporting Fiorentina is a matter of heart, heritage, and honour – a club that may not win every year but always fights with style and soul.