Calcio Storico

Shannon Wood
Feb 16, 2015
2 min read

Today I had the opportunity to see the Calcio Storico. It was the 435th year anniversary. The first game was played February 17, 1530. There are four territories of Florence, and each team goes against each other. Than the winners of both teams play the winning match. Originally this game is played in June. It is a very violent game. To put it simple the rules are get the ball to the goal however you can. In the mean time people fight you to get the ball there. This game was not as violent. It was more honoring the tradition of people who have played. The game was more like an alumni game. Past players got to have a fun time, and the crowd got to enjoy it. Plus it was right outside of our house in Santa Croce. It was a beautiful afternoon. We somehow got lucky and got a view right along the hay bails, and next to a previous play. We also got to meet a player who will play in June. In June the game is crazy. I have provided a video if you would like to actually see what I am talking about. The game was fun though, and it allowed me to get a little taste of the Italian culture.

More information:

Matches last 50 minutes and are played on a field covered in sand, doubly long as it is wide. A white line divides the field in two identical squares, and a goal net runs the width of each end.

Each team had 27 players with no expected substitutes. There are: four Datori Indietro (goalkeepers), 3 Datori Innanzi (fullbacks), 5 Sconciatori (halfbacks), 15 Innanzi o Corridori (forwards). The Capitan and Alfiere (flagbear's) tent sits in the center of the goal net. They don't actively participate in the game, but can referee and organize the game.

The Giudice Arbitro and 6 Segnalinee referee the match, in collaboration with the Giudice Commissario, who remains off the field. above everyone else, is the Maestro di Campo. He makes sure the runs smoothly, stepping in the reestablish order and maintain discipline in case of a fight on field.

The game stats when the "Pallaio" throws the ball to the center line, followed by the firing of a small cannon, announcing the beginning of the conflict.

From this moment on, the players try (by any means neccessary) to get the ball into the opponents goal. The teams change sides with every point scored.

Information found at: http://www.calciostoricofiorentino.it/the_game.html

Video:

https://vimeo.com/89326438