The current football club was officially founded in 2002, but Fiorentina are actually among the historic greats of Italian football, with two championships to their name. A couple of years ago financial disasters forced the team to reinvent itself and submit to relegation to Serie C1. Fiorentina returned to Serie A in 2004 after a dramatic re-ascent of the tables and a change of name (briefly playing as Florentia Viola). After Fiorentina - and their notorious fans - made their big re-entry into the top flight of Italian football, they proceeded to enjoy a rather rocky season, but after avoiding relegation they began the 2005-2006 season with a victory and plenty of optimism.

Team colours: purple

Known as: Viola

Official website: http://www.acffiorentina.it/ (English, Italian and Japanese)

Stadium

Stadio Artemio Franchi
Viale Manfredo Fanti 4
Capacity: 47,282

The stadium is close to Florence's second train station: Firenze Campo di Marte (head up Largo Gennarelli). From the main station, Santa Maria Novella, you can either take a train to Campo di Marte or take bus numbers 7, 17 or 20. For more information on the stadium visit Italy Heaven.

Match Tickets

Ticket information is available online from the club website's 'Biglietteria' section. There is a plan of the stadium seating areas, prices, and a list of outlets in Florence where tickets can be purchased. If the club return to last year's arrangements, tickets may also be available online in advance from Listicket and collected at the stadium before the game. Note that women are among those entitled to reduced tickets.

Florence Travel and Tourism

Florence is one of Italy's most celebrated holiday destinations; a beautiful art city with a colourful past. As well as some of the world's finest paintings and sculptures, you can enjoy superb views, lovely architecture, pleasant parks and fine food.

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