Experience the Florentine historical event “Calcio Storico Fiorentino” as it returns to Florence this June, on 13, 14 and 24 June in Santa Croce
The famous Calcio Storico Fiorentino is returning to Florence once more. Here is all you need to know about Florence’s most brutal and fascinating tradition.
The Calcio Storico Fiorentino has very ancient roots and dates back to the origins of football in Europe around the 15th century. This Florentine sport acquired its popularity and status on February 17, 1530, when Florence was besieged by Charles V. Even during such dangerous times, the Florentine people, gathered in Piazza Santa Croce to resist the invaders, started to play football to celebrate Carnival. This became a cult event that remained in the city’s memory.
Years later, people began to recreate that moment every year on the occasion of the celebrations of San Giovanni, the patron saint of Florence. Today, the tournament takes place every June in Piazza Santa Croce, attracting locals and visitors from around the world.
The calcio storico tournament opposes the four ancient neighborhoods of Florence. Each team is characterized by a color: the Rossi (red) from Santa Maria Novella, the Azzurri (blue) from Santa Croce, the Verdi (green) from San Giovanni and the Bianchi (white) from Santo Spirito.
Even if we talk about calcio (football), Calcio Storico is actually a combination of football, rugby and wrestling. During the games, the players wear the traditional costumes of the event, including puffed trousers in their team colour. Players can tackle, wrestle and physically block opponents, making it one of the most brutal traditional sports still played today.
Every game of Calcio Storico takes place in Piazza Santa Croce, which is covered in sand to create the rectangular field and continue the tradition. Each team is composed of 27 players: 4 datori indietro (goalkeepers), 3 datori innanzi (fullbacks), 5 sconciatori (halfbacks) and 15 innanzi o corridori (forwards). The game begins when the ball is thrown, and the team that scores more cacce wins.
The Calcio Storico is played in three matches of 50 minutes: two semi-finals and a final. According to tradition, the draw that determines which teams will compete in the first two games takes place on Easter morning before the traditional Scoppio del Carro (Burst of the Cart), in the presence of the four team captains.
The first two matches take place on 13 and 14 June, while the final is held on 24 June, the feast day of Saint John, Florence’s patron saint.
How to get tickets / practical info
Tickets are usually available one week before each match from the Box Office Toscana on Via delle Vecchie Carceri, 1, with prices ranging from €29 to €50 depending on the type of seat. Alternatively, the tournament can be watched on TV, both on the Toscana TV channel and internationally.
Calcio Storico Fiorentino is a strong symbol of Florentine culture, where players defend the pride and traditions of their ancestors, and spectators can feel that intensity from the stands. If you are visiting Florence in June, this is one of the city’s most unique and unforgettable events.
The calcio storico fiorentino
Piazza Santa Croce, Firenze
First semifinal: Verdi di San Giovanni vs Rossi di Santa Maria Novella | Saturday 13 June 2026
Second semi-final: Azzurri di Santa Croce vs Bianchi di Santo Spirito | Sunday 14 June 2026
Final match: Saturday 24 June 2026
