Calcio Storico Fiorentino 2027 – Traditional Sports Event Italy

What to expect in 2027

Calcio Storico Fiorentino 2027 is expected to return to Florence in June 2027, continuing one of Italy’s most distinctive traditional sporting events. Also known as Florentine Historical Football, Calcio Storico combines elements of football, rugby, wrestling and traditional Florentine culture in a competition played in the historic Piazza Santa Croce.

The tournament is built around four historic Florentine teams representing different areas of the city: the Azzurri of Santa Croce, the Rossi of Santa Maria Novella, the Bianchi of Santo Spirito and the Verdi of San Giovanni. Two semi-final matches determine the finalists, with the winners meeting in the traditional championship final. The tournament is therefore both a sporting competition and a major cultural occasion in Florence.

The event is particularly notable because the playing field is constructed in the centre of Florence rather than inside a conventional sports stadium. Piazza Santa Croce becomes the competition arena, surrounded by temporary stands and historic architecture. Before the games, the traditional procession of the Florentine Republic provides a ceremonial introduction featuring historical costumes, musicians and flag performers.

Visitors in 2027 can expect an atmosphere that is very different from a normal football match. The event connects modern competition with Florentine history, neighbourhood identity and traditional ceremonies. The four team colours are an important part of the experience, while the historic procession adds another cultural dimension before the players enter the field.

The exact 2027 match pairings, competition timetable, ticket release information and participating rosters will be confirmed by the organisers closer to the event.

Match/event dates

Calcio Storico Fiorentino 2027 is scheduled for June 2027, with the exact dates still to be announced.

The traditional tournament consists of two semi-finals followed by a final. The semi-finals determine which two of the four historic teams progress to the championship match. The tournament traditionally forms part of Florence’s celebrations connected with San Giovanni, the city’s patron saint.

The 2027 calendar has not yet been published in full, so visitors should avoid making travel arrangements around an unconfirmed match date.

The official programme is expected to identify:

• First semi-final: One pairing between two of the four historic teams.
• Second semi-final: The remaining two teams meet for the second place in the final.
• Championship final: The two semi-final winners compete for the tournament title.
• Historical procession: The traditional procession precedes the matches.
• Flag performance: The Bandierai degli Uffizi traditionally contribute to the pre-match spectacle.

The final 2027 schedule should be checked through the official event information once released.

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Stadium & sports venue

The main venue for Calcio Storico Fiorentino is Piazza Santa Croce in central Florence. Rather than using a permanent football stadium, the historic square is transformed into a temporary sporting arena for the tournament.

Piazza Santa Croce provides an exceptional setting because spectators watch the competition against the backdrop of the Basilica of Santa Croce and surrounding historic buildings. The temporary field allows the event to retain its traditional connection with the city centre.

The official Florence cultural website identifies Piazza Santa Croce as the location for the modern tournament. Recent editions have continued to use the square for both semi-finals and the final.

Temporary spectator stands are installed around the playing area. Seating categories can include shaded grandstand sections, sun-exposed grandstand sections and coloured curve areas.

Because the venue is located in the historic centre, visitors should expect a busy environment around the square. Access routes can be affected by event security, pedestrian restrictions, public transport changes and the historic procession.

Full fixture or event schedule

The complete 2027 fixture list has not yet been announced. The traditional tournament format provides the basic framework for the competition.

The expected programme includes:

• Opening preparations: Teams, officials and event personnel prepare the temporary arena.
• Historical procession: The Corteo Storico della Repubblica Fiorentina moves through central Florence toward Piazza Santa Croce.
• First semi-final: Two of the four historic districts compete for a place in the final.
• Second semi-final: The remaining two teams compete for the other final position.
• Final: The two semi-final winners meet for the championship.
• Ceremonial presentation: The winning team is recognised after the final.

The historical procession is an important part of the overall event rather than simply an opening ceremony. Florence describes the Corteo Storico as a representation of the city’s historic institutions, military groups, guilds and important figures from the period associated with the Republic of Florence.

Recent editions have also included the Bandierai degli Uffizi, whose flag performances add another traditional element before the competition.

The precise 2027 order of activities, access times and match timetable will be published once the organisers confirm the programme.

Teams, athletes & participants

Calcio Storico Fiorentino is organised around four historic Florentine teams, each identified by its traditional colour and neighbourhood.

• Azzurri di Santa Croce: The blue team represents Santa Croce and has historically been the most successful side in the modern four-team tournament. The official historical record lists 22 titles for the Azzurri in the four-team era.
• Rossi di Santa Maria Novella: The red team represents Santa Maria Novella and has accumulated multiple championships in the modern tournament.
• Bianchi di Santo Spirito: The white team represents Santo Spirito and has a long history in the competition.
• Verdi di San Giovanni: The green team represents San Giovanni and is another of the four historic districts represented in the tournament.

The players are known as calcianti. They compete as members of their district team rather than as individually selected professional footballers.

The competition combines physical strength, ball control, running, wrestling, tactical positioning and close-contact play. This creates a very different sporting environment from conventional association football.

The final 2027 player rosters will be announced separately. Team selections can change between editions, so previous rosters should not be treated as confirmed 2027 lineups.

The tournament also involves referees, officials, historical performers, musicians, flag performers, organisers, security personnel and event staff.

Tournament format & competition structure

The modern Calcio Storico Fiorentino tournament uses four teams and a knockout structure.

The four teams are divided into two semi-final matches. Each semi-final produces one winner, giving the tournament two finalists.

The winners then meet in the championship final. This means that three competitive matches form the core of the tournament.

The competition is played on a large temporary sand-covered field in Piazza Santa Croce. Players attempt to move the ball toward the opponent’s scoring area while competing physically for possession and territory.

The scoring system is based on “caccia,” with teams attempting to score more than their opponents during the match. Florence’s published rules state that the winner is the team that scores the greater number of cacce during the prescribed playing period.

Calcio Storico is deliberately physical. Players can challenge opponents for possession through a combination of running, tackling and wrestling-style contact. The unusual combination of ball play and physical confrontation is one of the defining features of the sport.

The tournament should therefore be understood as a traditional Florentine sport rather than ordinary football played in historical costumes.

Match/event times

The exact 2027 match times have not been announced.

Recent editions have scheduled the competitive matches in the early evening, with the games preceded by the historical procession through Florence. The published 2026 programme placed the matches in the evening and included the procession as part of the event presentation.

For 2027, visitors should allow substantial time before the match itself because reaching Piazza Santa Croce can become more complicated during the procession and event security operations.

The final programme is expected to identify:

• Spectator entry: Published with the ticket information.
• Historical procession: Before the match.
• Flag performance: Before the sporting contest.
• Match start: Confirmed in the official tournament programme.
• Post-match activities: Depending on the match and tournament stage.

Ticket types

2027 ticket prices have not yet been announced. As a reference, the latest available edition used several seating categories.

The 2026 final offered the following published prices, converted to USD using an exchange rate of approximately $1.14 per euro:

• Shaded lateral grandstand: approximately $171.00.
• Sun-exposed C grandstand: approximately $62.70.
• Coloured curves: approximately $33.10.

The 2026 semi-finals used a similar structure, with the shaded lateral grandstand listed at approximately $148.20, the C grandstand at approximately $62.70 and the coloured curves at approximately $33.10.

The 2027 categories and prices may change.

Ticket quantities have historically been limited, and the 2026 organisers stated that each customer could purchase a maximum of four tickets. Some sections could also be unavailable because of team allocations or prior reservations.

Ticket release phases

The 2027 ticket release schedule has not yet been announced.

Based on recent editions, ticket sales have opened online relatively close to the tournament. The Municipality of Florence has used TicketOne for official public sales, with separate sales announcements for the semi-finals and final.

The likely process includes:

• Official announcement: The municipality announces the ticket sale arrangements.
• Semi-final release: Tickets for the two semi-finals become available.
• Final release: Tickets for the championship final are released separately.
• Limited availability: Certain sections can sell out through team allocations or priority access.
• Official online purchase: Public sales are handled through the designated ticketing channel.

Visitors should rely on the official Florence cultural pages and authorised ticketing information rather than unofficial resale listings.

VIP & hospitality options

Traditional VIP hospitality packages have not been announced for the 2027 tournament.

The principal premium seating distinction in recent editions has been between shaded grandstand areas, standard grandstand seating and coloured curve sections. The shaded grandstand sections provide a more protected viewing position, which can be useful during a warm June event in Florence.

The tournament is not organised like a modern football championship with extensive corporate hospitality lounges. Its attraction comes from the historic setting, temporary arena and connection with Florence.

Visitors seeking a more comfortable experience can consider shaded seating when available, arrive early and plan their route carefully because Piazza Santa Croce becomes extremely busy during tournament events.

Stadium & event rules

Calcio Storico has specific rules governing the competition, player conduct and match organisation.

The physical nature of the sport means spectators should remain within their allocated areas and follow instructions from security personnel and event staff.

Recent ticket information has also specified venue access arrangements and restrictions. For example, the official ticketing information for the latest edition stated that animals were not permitted inside the event area.

Photography and recording rules can also be subject to event-specific restrictions. The Municipality of Florence has noted that professional audiovisual recording and live transmission can require specific authorisation because broadcast rights are separately managed.

Visitors should follow the final 2027 regulations concerning:

• Ticket validity: Enter through the designated access point for the purchased section.
• Security: Follow checks and instructions from event personnel.
• Restricted items: Do not bring prohibited objects into the arena.
• Animals: Follow the venue’s animal-access policy.
• Recording: Observe the event’s photography and filming rules.
• Seating: Remain within the allocated spectator area.

How to get there

Piazza Santa Croce is located in the historic centre of Florence and is easily incorporated into a central Florence sightseeing itinerary.

For international visitors, Florence Airport is the city’s main airport. Visitors can then continue toward the historic centre using public transport or taxis.

Florence is also connected to Italy’s high-speed rail network, making the city accessible from Rome, Milan, Bologna, Venice and other major destinations. Santa Maria Novella railway station is the principal railway station for central Florence.

From the railway station, visitors can walk through the historic centre toward Piazza Santa Croce or use local public transport.

Because the tournament takes place in the historic centre and includes a major procession, walking is often an important part of the event experience. Temporary traffic restrictions may be introduced around the procession route and Piazza Santa Croce. Recent municipal notices have included restrictions affecting vehicle traffic and public transport during the tournament.

Public transport & parking

Public transport is generally more practical than driving directly to Piazza Santa Croce because the venue is located within Florence’s historic centre.

Visitors arriving by train can reach the Santa Croce area from Santa Maria Novella using city buses or by walking through central Florence.

Driving into the historic centre can be complicated because of restricted traffic zones, temporary event closures and limited parking. Visitors travelling by car should consider leaving their vehicle outside the central historic area and continuing by public transport or on foot.

During the tournament, road restrictions may be introduced for the historical procession. In recent editions, Florence published temporary traffic and public transport changes connected with the procession and matches.

Allow additional travel time on match days, particularly around the central Florence streets leading toward Santa Croce.

Accommodation areas

The historic centre of Florence is the most convenient area for visitors attending Calcio Storico because Piazza Santa Croce is within walking distance of many central attractions and accommodation options.

Popular areas to consider include:

• Santa Croce: The closest area to the competition venue and convenient for visitors who want to remain near the square.
• Duomo: A central location with easy access to Florence’s major attractions and restaurants.
• Santa Maria Novella: Convenient for railway connections and central sightseeing.
• San Lorenzo: A lively central area with accommodation, restaurants and markets.
• Santo Spirito: A historic neighbourhood across the Arno with restaurants and a more residential atmosphere.

Booking accommodation early can be useful because June is a popular period for tourism in Florence. Staying within the central area also reduces dependence on transport during the event.

Food & drink at the venue

Food and drink arrangements inside Piazza Santa Croce depend on the official event setup and ticketing rules for each edition.

Visitors will find numerous cafés, restaurants, gelaterias and bars throughout the streets surrounding the square. Florence’s historic centre provides a wide choice of Tuscan food, Italian dishes, pastries, coffee and gelato.

Popular local options include Florentine steak, schiacciata, traditional Tuscan pasta, crostini and regional wines. Visitors should remember that individual event restrictions may apply to bringing outside food or beverages into the spectator area.

Because the matches attract substantial crowds, eating before entering the arena can be practical. Visitors can also explore nearby restaurants before or after the competition, although reservations may be useful during busy tournament periods.

Accessibility

Accessibility arrangements for 2027 have not yet been published.

The latest official ticket information provided dedicated access arrangements for disabled spectators. In the most recent edition, dedicated accessible spaces were located beneath one of the grandstands, with a specified entrance route.

Visitors who require accessible seating or assistance should contact the official ticketing or event support service before purchasing tickets.

Because Piazza Santa Croce is a historic public square with temporary event structures, accessibility can depend on the final arena configuration.

The final 2027 information should be checked for accessible entrances, dedicated platforms, toilets, companion arrangements and any restrictions created by the historical procession.

Best matches/events to attend

The three tournament matches each provide a different stage of the Calcio Storico experience.

• First semi-final: The opening competitive match introduces the tournament atmosphere and provides the first opportunity to see one of the four historic team pairings.
• Second semi-final: The second knockout match determines the other finalist and completes the championship lineup.
• Championship final: The final brings the two surviving teams together for the tournament title.
• Historical procession: The procession before the matches is one of the most visually distinctive parts of the overall event.
• Flag performance: The Bandierai degli Uffizi add traditional Florentine pageantry before the competition.

The final is naturally the decisive stage of the tournament, while the semi-finals provide the opportunity to see all four historic teams participate in the competition.

For first-time visitors, experiencing both the procession and a match provides a fuller understanding of why Calcio Storico is regarded as both a sporting competition and a major element of Florentine cultural identity.

Previous year’s highlights

The latest completed tournament produced a championship between the Azzurri di Santa Croce and the Rossi di Santa Maria Novella.

The official results record shows the Azzurri defeating the Rossi in the final by 19 to 18. The same official record shows the Rossi defeating the Verdi in their semi-final, while the Azzurri defeated the Bianchi in the other semi-final.

The result added another championship to the Azzurri’s long historical record. Florence’s official roll of honour lists the Azzurri as having 22 titles in the modern four-team tournament, followed by the Rossi with 8, the Bianchi with 5 and the Verdi with 1.

The tournament also maintained its traditional ceremonial elements. The matches were preceded by the Corteo Storico della Repubblica Fiorentina, which travelled through the city before reaching Piazza Santa Croce. The Bandierai degli Uffizi also formed part of the event presentation.

The previous edition demonstrated the continuing importance of the four historic districts and their colours. The Azzurri represented Santa Croce, the Rossi represented Santa Maria Novella, the Bianchi represented Santo Spirito and the Verdi represented San Giovanni.

For 2027, all four teams are expected to remain central to the tournament, with the final matchups determined through the two semi-finals.

Official tickets

2027 ticket information has not yet been released. Recent official ticket sales have been handled online through TicketOne, with the Municipality of Florence publishing the sale announcements and seating information.

For the latest edition, public ticket categories included shaded grandstand seating, sun-exposed grandstand seating and coloured curve sections. The published prices ranged from approximately $33.10 to $171.00 after conversion from the original local pricing.

The 2027 prices should be treated as unconfirmed until the official announcement. Previous prices are provided only as a planning reference because the user requested historical pricing where the new edition has not yet been announced.

Visitors should purchase through the authorised ticketing route once the 2027 sale is opened. The official Florence cultural website provides the tournament calendar, ticket information, historical results and other official updates.

Official Calcio Storico Fiorentino website (https://calciostorico.online/)