Seeing an Italian football match is something every student abroad, expat or tourist should experience at least once. The atmosphere at the stadium is unique, as football is deeply rooted in Italian culture, and palpable in the electricity before, during and after the games.
This year’s games should be exciting ones. Coach Vincenzo Montella has said that he wants Fiorentina to fight for a place in next year’s Champions League, and that’s what the fans are expecting from the Serie A 2014–15 season. Although the team has not started the league on the right foot, the Viola’s supporters (Fiorentina’s nickname, for the club’s colors) are confident that the roster is up to the task.
Fiorentina will be playing in three competitions this year: the Serie A, the Italian top-tier football championship; the UEFA Europa League; and the Coppa Italia, a national competition.
Tickets can be bought from online retailers and authorized kiosks, one of which, Il Chiosco degli Sportivi, is in Florence city center, right by piazza della Repubblica.
Ticket prices vary according to the section of the stadium, the competition and the opponent that Fiorentina faces. Unless you intend on buying a spot in the VIP stands, the average ticket price costs 20–70 euro. You will need valid ID to purchase a ticket.
The best sections from which to enjoy the game for a reasonable price are the Maratona and Parterre di Tribuna. The Curva Fiesole and Curva Ferrovia are cheaper, but they don’t have assigned seats and you’ll be drawn into the fans’ chants and rituals (ideal if you want a full-on experience). Make sure you don’t sit in the Settore Ospiti: as it is the visiting team’s area and, apart from having poor visibility, it’s not the best place to experience a Fiorentina match.
Tickets are checked upon entry to the stadium and valid ID may be required. Food and drinks can be bought outside and inside the stadium, both before and after the game.
The Artemio Franchi stadium is in Campo di Marte. If you go by train, when you arrive at Campo di Marte train station, cross the footbridge over the tracks and follow the road straight ahead for one block, down viale Manfredo Fanti, until you reach the stadium. Alternatively, on game days, ATAF bus 52 runs from Santa Maria Novella train station to the stadium area starting hours before kick-off and again for one hour after the end of the match. If you’re arriving from Rifredi train station, take ATAF bus 54, which runs on a similar schedule on game days. These buses are normally fairly packed, so leave as early as possible and travel light.
