The annual Neighborhood Championship Tournament of a sport that has its origins in the time of the Roman Empire, as a training excercise to prepare for the next conquest, and was codified in 1580, returned to the Piazza of Santa Croce and a full house for the first time since 2019 this June. It is a once a year Tournament between the four historic neighborhoods of Florence:
Blue--Santa Croce
White--Santo Spiritu
Red--Santa Maria Novello
Green--Santa Giovanni
White--Santo Spiritu
Red--Santa Maria Novello
Green--Santa Giovanni
The semi-finals were played on June 10-11. The final on June 24 (St. John's Day Holiday).
There are 3 matches per year, played by all amateurs. There are 27 men per team, an 80 meter by 40 meter field of dirt and sand, a ball that looks like a beach ball but is a bit bigger than a soccer ball. There are goals at each end that are 40 meters wide. Putting the ball in the goal is called a "cachia" and is worth one point. Over shooting the goal is 1/2 point for the other team. It dis-incentivizes long throw goals (something the NBA might want to think about, but that is a topic for another blog).
The heart of each team is the "line". There are 15 players on each line, and their job is to make sure that the offensive backs can have space to move the ball. It is much like American or Canadian Football, or Rugby League in that way. The ball is mostly carried or thrown but can also be kicked. There are only three rules to line play.
1. No kicks to the head.
2. No sucker punches.
3. No double teaming. All line play is one on one.
Violation of any of those rules leads to immediate expulsion. No substitutes are allowed. There are also no substitutions for players who are injured and must be stetchered off. There is no "blood bin" as in Rugby so things can get a little messy.
Line play is a combination of boxing, wrestling, and MMA. Once a player has an opponent on the ground he can (and does) sit or lay on the opponent to keep him down (there is no punching allowed against a player who is down--see sucker punches above). In that way, space is created for the backs. The downed player is released if he can release himself or after a caccia is scored.
A modified "jump ball" begins the game, and is accompanied by cannon fire. (There is also cannon fire after each caccia).
Each time a player is tackled with the ball, there is a modified jump ball to determine possession. This also happens after each caccia or 1/2 caccia. After each caccia the teams switch sides.
The game lasts 50 minutes. The clock never stops. There is no injury time.
The prize for the winning team is a cow (as you will see in the introductions of the Final). It is not the cow that you see, but rather that much meat, which is distributed to the neighborhood.
I believe that tells you all you need to know.
DAZL TV provided full match videos for both semi-finals and the Final.The Final has a long and very interesting pre-game set of rituals. The neighborhood supporters are seated at each end of the ground.
The final was a superbly played, exciting game. The semi's not quite so much.
However, if you want your medieval fix combined with your fix for blood lust with a huge dose of testosterone thrown in, this sport is for you. It makes our great gladiator sports like timid by comparison. Alas, there is a reason that only 3 games a year are played.
I have provided links to all three full match videos, photos, and match articles for each match. The Final video provides a list of annual winners going back to 1979. Below all the match information are Google English translations of the match articles. They include the scoring, injury, and expulsion information, but in real time, which I have converted into clock time.
Directly below, before the match information, I have provided more background links on the sport,
Enjoy:
Explanatory links:
How the game is played: (Italian, but, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words) (Netflix Italia Youtube-2:22)--game is explained in diagrams after the player interview
English Language Documentary on Calcio Storico Fiorentino (Jansen Media Youtube 1:12:43) (Italian with English sub-titles)
Original Official Rules (Giordani Bordo, 1580) (Italian)
Discorso sopra il giuoco del calcio fiorentino
OR
change the number after .djvu to move from page to page and then translate the modern page, which is below the original page.
Photo Gallery (Guardian--London)
Balls and Blood (Sports Illustrated, August 4, 2008)
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Calcio Storico Fiorentino 2022
FINAL
JUNE 24
BLUES 11 1/2 REDS 7 1/2
FULL MATCH VIDEO (Calcio Storico Fiorentino Youtube)
Match article (La Nazione, Florence) (Italian), for a Google Translate English version see below
Photo Feature (La Nazione--21 Photos)
Line Score, time of score, and scorers when available--match winners always listed 1st:
0-1: 3:00; Manuel Lopez
0-2: 7:00; Lorenzo Fattori
1-2: 12:00; ?
1-3: 15:00; ?
2-3: 17:00; ?
3-3: 19:00; ?
3 1/2 - 3: 21:00 ?
3 1/2 - 4: 22:00; Manuel Lopez
4 1/2 - 4: 25:00; ?
4 1/2 - 5; 26:00; ?
4 1/2 - 5 1/2; 30:00; ?
5 1/2 - 5 1/2; 31:00; ?
6 1/2 - 5 1/2; 33:00; ?
7 1/2 - 5 1/2; 35:00; ?
8 1/2 - 5 1/2; 37:00; ?
9 1/2 - 5 1/2; 39:00; ?
9 1/2 - 6 1/2; 42:00; ?
10 1/2 - 6 1/2; 44:00; ?
10 1/2 - 7 1/2; 45:00; ?
11 1/2 - 7 1/2; 48:00; ?
-1; -2; -1; -2; -1; =; + 1/2; - 1/2; +1/2; -1/2; -1; =; +1; +2; +3; +4; +3; +4; +3 +4
2 equal scores, 5 lead changes
Players stretchered off:
Red
4:00: Leonardo Fettori; 16:00: "Red Kicker"--unknown
Reds played 12 minutes down one man, and 34 minutes down two men.
Blue: None
Disqualifications: None
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SEMI-FINAL
JUNE 10
BLUES 2 WHITES 1
FULL MATCH VIDEO (Calcio Storico Fiorentino Youtube)
Match article (La Nazione, Florence) (Italian), for a Google Translate English version see below
Photo Feature (La Nazione--28 photos)
Line Score (Winners always listed first)
1-0 (21:00 Clock time); 1-1 (37:00); 2-1 (43:00)
No scorers listed:
Brawl: 8:00
Disqualifications: 13:00, Galli and Burani (Blues) expelled for "misconduct that is listed in the prohibited behaviors" (kicks to the head, sucker punches, or two attacking one). Blues played the rest of the match 2 players down.
Removed on stretcher: none listed
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SEMI-FINAL
JUNE 11
REDS 5 GREENS 1
FULL MATCH VIDEO (Calcio Storico Fiorentino Youtube)
Match article: (La Nazione, Florence) Italian, for a Google Translate English version see below
Photo Feature (La Nazione--18 photos)
Line Score: (Winners always listed first)
5-0; 5-1
Reds: Manuel Lopez 3, Lorenzo Mari, Lorenzo Fattori
Greens: Not named
Known time and Scoring:
Reds: 3:00--Manuel Lopez; 12:00--Manuel Lopez; 18:00--Lorenzo Mari; 22:00--Manuel Lopez; 30:00--Lorenzo Fattori
Greens: 35:00
Brawls: none listed, no disqualifications
Removed on stretcher: 20:00--Red kicker; 42:00--Green kicker
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Note: Match article times given are Time of Day, not clock time, given on a 24 hour clock. Note: below "hunt" means caccia (goal scored).
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FINAL
JUNE 24
BLUES 11 1/2 REDS 7 1/2
Historic football final, Azzurri di Santa Croce champions against the Reds: 11.5 to 7.5
Florence, the last act of the 2022 edition of the tournament. Lots of people in the stands and a game of a thousand emotions
Florence, 24 June 2022 - The Azzurri di Santa Croce win the 2022 edition of the historic Florentine football, which returned after two years of pandemic that blocked the tournament. Nothing to do for the Reds , who yield despite a truly remarkable character. A beautiful historic football match, for some the most beautiful in recent years.
The compactness of Azzurra emerged , who held the field even when they went behind at the start of the match. They did not disunite but they started the comeback. From there then the heat, the fatigue and the numerical inferiority of the Reds led to victory. However, honor to two teams who have put their hearts on the pitch.
And it is blue blaze, with the fans taking to the pitch to embrace their heroes. While the footballers hoist the Palio, the trophy of this final.
A great day of traditions , which takes place as always on the day of the patron saint of Florence, San Giovanni. In the evening another great moment, that of the fireworks, but in the meantime there is this important and heartfelt match. Follow the live with us. A victory that makes historic football restart after two years inactive.
19.17: the game ends, Azzurri di Santa Croce champions.
7.15 pm: these are the last minutes and fatigue is felt but the Azzurri consolidate their advantage. Long run of Bastiani scoring.
19.12: the Reds do not give up and manage to score another hunt.
19.11: another blue fighter, excellent possession of the ball that leads to this new maximum advantage.
19.09: hunting for the Reds, who score from a long distance. There are seven minutes to go.
19.06: another hunt for the Azzurri, who are rampant.
19.04: Azzurri who take off scoring a new hunt that leads them to extend the advantage.
19.02: another blue fighter with a nice running action. Blues who seem to take advantage of greater freshness and numerical superiority.
7 pm: blue advantage with a new marked fighter, also on passage.
18.58: a draw between the Azzurri and Costa. Nice pass and then hunt. Draw at five and a half hunts.
18.57: half hunt for the Reds.
18.53: incredible game with a new Red Hunt. The teams play openly and the show benefits. Partial result: 4.5 to 5.
18.52: a new Azzurra fighter. Partial result: 4.5 to 4.
18.49: another hunt for the Reds, who are back in the lead again with Manuel Lopez, their man everywhere. Game without a minute of respite.
18.48: half chase for the Azzurri, who temporarily overtake the Reds. Important comeback.
6.46 pm: another hunt for the Azzurri, who draw 3-3. Nice initiative Azzurra, the team takes courage. Real match, with a thousand emotions.
6.44 pm: new hunt for the Azzurri, on a long-distance passage.
6.42 pm: third hunt for the Reds, who easily score after a throw-in.
6.41 pm: another red kicker comes out on a stretcher after being punched. Rossi in this moment in double numerical inferiority.
6.39 pm: hunting for the Azzurri from a great distance. A passage turns into a hunt. The bounce of the ball allows the ball to enter. 1-2
18.34 : still a hunt for the Reds, who seem irrepressible. Lorenzo Fattori scored. Nice duels with tackles, the ball is moved a lot by the Reds who are getting the better of them with continuous changes of pace. 0-2
18.30: Red kicker on the ground. Leonardo Fattori is rescued on a stretcher and taken out of the field.
18.29: Manuel Lopez immediately goes hunting for the Reds. Again he, who had already scored in the semifinals. Game that unlocks immediately. 0-1
18.26: the game has started. Immediate midfield clash.
The pre-match
6.21 pm: the "Davide Astori" choir rises in memory of the viola captain.
18.19 hours: it is the moment of the cry, to the magnificent Messere, an intense moment that precedes the match.
18.18: the Reds and the Azzurri gather for the last tips and encouragement speeches. There were several line-up changes on both sides due to injuries and disqualifications from the semi-finals.
18.08: Rossi and Azzurri warm-up began. It is another very hot day in Florence.
18.02: as per tradition, all four districts enter the field. So there are also the Whites and the Greens, eliminated after the two semifinals.
18.01: there is the entrance of the Rossi in the field.
17.59: Gabriel Omar Batistuta is also in the stands for the final. The unforgettable Batigol is in Florence in this period and he didn't want to miss this match.
17.58: some of the rules of historical football. The match lasts fifty minutes. There are 27 players per team.
17.54: the ball player enters and the challenge goes live. There are a few minutes left for the challenge.
5.33 pm: "I struggle to find such a beautiful San Giovanni - says the mayor Nardella - Now we enjoy this final".
5.30 pm: Bruno Astori speaks, in that square where his brother David's funeral took place. "This square - he says - means a lot to us, the city has never stopped being close to us, it is an indescribable emotion. I thank everyone for the opportunity to attend this event, Davide would be proud of this invitation".
17.27: Antonioni enthusiastic, speaks to Toscana Tv. "I have seen historical football several times, I have been a magnificent sir. For Florence, after Fiorentina's football, the final of historical football remains an important event". And on Davide Astori's brother the magnificent messere: "I'm happy that Bruno holds this role, Florence never forgets, even on occasions other than Fiorentina's matches".
17.26: there are two live TV shows. One of Toscana Tv, while for Italy and for Europe there is the streaming of Dazn, which has entered into an agreement with historical football that will be offered to viewers in high definition. It is new this year.
5.21 pm: the grandstand begins to get crowded. Enter the mayor of Florence Dario Nardella.
17.10: the historical procession is now approaching Piazza Santa Croce, whose stands are filling up.
16.57: in the procession there is also a special guest, Giancarlo Antognoni, who is also approaching Piazza Santa Croce.
16.53: the historical procession has arrived in Piazza della Signoria. Filippo Giovannelli, director of the historical parade, kicks off the last part of the parade, the one that will arrive in Piazza Santa Croce.
16.50: open the gates on the stands in Piazza Santa Croce, the fans begin to enter. Small groups of supporters who challenge the sun well in advance and place themselves on the stands. Meanwhile, in Piazza della Signoria, everything is ready to welcome the historical procession.
4.44 pm: outside Palazzo Vecchio the mayor Nardella awaits the historical procession with the magnificent messere of this final, the brother of Davide Astori, Bruno. A way to remember and pay homage to the unforgettable Fiorentina captain who died four years ago.
4.31 pm: the procession stops on the arengario of Palazzo Vecchio, in Piazza della Signoria, to greet the banner of Florence.
16.19: it started from Piazza Santa Maria Novella to arrive in Piazza Santa Croce. With the parade also the fans of Rossi and Azzurri parade, who will also color the stands today.
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SEMI-FINAL
JUNE 10:
BLUES 2 WHITES 1
Historic football, first semifinal: the blues win 2-1
After two years, Piazza Santa Croce becomes inflamed again. Great interest in the challenges
The Azzurri win the first semifinal of historic football 2-1 against the Whites. A match of emotions, a physical battle with a heart-pounding ending. The Azzurri were ahead but the Whites tried the hunt several times without success.
He returned after two years with a complete program: the historical Florentine football 2022 inflames Piazza Santa Croce. The first semi-final took place, Azzurri di Santa Croce against Bianchi di Santo Spirito. The field will tell who is the best, but also in the stands it is a real show, with the supporters of the various colors ready to do battle. To embellish the first day of the semifinals an exceptional guest like Gabriel Omar Batistuta , while the Magnifico Messere is Giancarlo De Sisti . Leggiadra Madonna was chosen the tennis player Martina Trevisan , from Florence, who reached the semifinals of Roland Garros, a result of great prestige.
8.14 pm: the Whites try the hunt until the end, without succeeding. The Azzurri win 2-1.
20.11: tactical match, with the Azzurri now trying to buy time. Three minutes to go.
20.06: the Azzurri are back in advantage, good run-up and hunting. Fatigue begins to make itself felt. Everything was born from a wrong passage of the Whites. It's 2-1
20.01: hunting of the Whites, who equalize the score. There is a lost ball from the Azzurri and the Whites counterattack. It's 1-1.
19.54: after a White raid the ball returns to the Azzurri, who try to play with the stopwatch and to pass the time.
7.46 pm: first hunt. The Azzurri scored it, who managed to attack the spaces by winning an important fighter.
19.39: Whites very close to the hunt but the ball comes out. Still 0-0.
19.37: Galli and Burani, for the Azzurri, were expelled for misconduct that is listed in the prohibited behaviors. Whites therefore in double numerical superiority.
19.32: skirmish under the tribune of honor between the Bianchi and Azzurri footballers is immediately quelled.
19.29: the study phase continues. There are several skirmishes and clashes but at the moment the result remains 0-0.
19.24: the match with the ball to the Whites has begun. Early stages of study.
19.18: here is the particular moment of the shout, with the announcement of the two teams on the field. A very impressive part of the pre-match ceremony.
7:07 pm: particular choreography by the Bianchi fans. The curve is colored in white with lots of cards.
19.05: entry of the Whites into the square.
19.01: the Azzurri enter the square.
18.53: Batistuta speaks. "I have been in Florence for a couple of days and I will stay there for a while. I come back more than willingly, it is always an emotion. It is not the first time and it will not be the last. Life must be like in historical football, try to always win ".
18.52: the ball player with the symbols of Florence enters and the sound of the trumpets rises. At the same time there are the choirs of the Bianchi and Azzurri fans. Great atmosphere.
18.39: excited Giancarlo De Sisti , Magnifico Messere. "It's a wonderful feeling - he says - It's wonderful to be inserted like this in the social fabric of the city. They gave me a great gift. I didn't imagine it would be so beautiful live", he tells Toscana Tv.
6.37 pm: the historical procession has arrived in Piazza Santa Croce . There is great anticipation.
5.24 pm : the big news this year is the live broadcast from Dazn . The streaming service will in fact give its subscribers the opportunity to enjoy the live broadcasts of all three games in high definition. For the first time, historical football will therefore be live on a large netowrk, one more sign of interest.
5.22 pm: great anticipation in Piazza Santa Croce . Already the first fans are around the square, while the teams are still preparing in their respective headquarters. The final will start at 7pm.
5 pm: the historical procession has started, a first great traditional moment that accompanies historical football . The parade, from Santa Maria Novella, arrives as scheduled up to Piazza Santa Croce.
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SEMI-FINAL
JUNE 11
REDS 5 GREENS 1
Historic Florentine football, second semifinal: the Reds win, 5-1 over the Greens
The final on June 24, St. John's Day, will be Azzurri Rossi
Florence, 11 June 2022 - The Reds win in the second semifinal of the historic Florentine football 2022. Now the final will be Rossi Azzurri and will be played on 24 June, St. John's Day. Second day of semifinals for historic Florentine football. After the Azzurri's victory over the Whites , the field decided the second finalist. A clear victory, 5-1, with the Reds who attacked with good exchanges from the beginning, easily going hunting.
Other emotions then, with a truly special Magnifico Messere : Borja Valero , the former viola who chose Florence to live. A beautiful day for him, who already by the fans was called "mayor" in honor of his Florentine identity. Graceful Madonna was instead the US actress Debi Mazar.
Relive the first semifinal, the Azzurri win
Follow the live
19.09: the challenge ends 5-1 for the Reds.
7.02 pm: another kicker comes out on a stretcher. It is a Green kicker. There are eight minutes left.
18.55: hunting for the Greens from lineout.
18.50: fifth hunt for the Reds with Lorenzo Fattori.
6.49 pm: the Greens try, but the solitary action of a footballer is stopped by the Reds. And the ball returns to the Reds.
6.42 pm: the Greens seem to collapse, the Reds mark the fourth hunt, again with Manuel Lopez, who has so far scored three.
6.40 pm: Red kicker goes out on a stretcher.
18.38: third hunt for the Reds, who score with Lorenzo Marri. The Reds started the action by pressing firmly and after a series of exchanges they managed to score again.
6.32 pm: second hunt for the Reds. It is Manuel Lopez who scores it. There was a transition phase with the greens trying to break through and failing. The ball returns to the reds with Manuel Lopez on the run. A highway opens for the second stage. The first hunt was also scored by Lopez.
18.26: many tackles in the central part of the field. The game was immediately released and the ball now belongs to the Greens, who are trying to find an opening.
6.23 pm: hunting for the reds, who, thanks to a series of tackles, immediately manage to score. 1-0.
18.21: ball to the reds. The study phase begins, the tactical phase and the first contacts between the players begin.
18.20: here we are, all ready for the challenge, the teams are lined up on the pitch.
18.18: the historical procession comes out, prelude to the start of the race. It is very hot in Piazza Santa Croce, it is a sultry afternoon.
18.12: great emotion among both the Greens and the Reds. There are many rookies especially in the Greens. But also in the Reds. In the Greens there are ten rookies, while there are seven in the Reds.
18.11: footballers already on the pitch, ready for the challenge. Long warm-up.
