Forza Fiorentina! Forza Tuscany!

Today is the 77th anniversary of the opening of Giovanni Francesco Berta stadium in Florence. The new sports ground was erected on 13th, September, 1931 instead of a small decrepit stadium. The architect of the project, Luigi Nervi, chose a peculiar shape for the stadium in the form of letter “D”. This uncommon decision made the stadium a unique place. It has already become the part of the national heritage. That’s why in 1950 and 1989 the main parts were not altered in the process of reconstruction. Renewed stadium got its new name of Artemio Franchi in 1991.

Luigi Ridolfi de Verrazano, the representative of one of the oldest and noble families in Italy, was the initiator of the building of the stadium. He used to be the sports director of the football club Fiorentina in the 30’s. The fulfillment of the ambitious plans of the club depended on the superiority of the sports scene. Artemio Franchi stadium has become the right place for that. The first game was really spectacular! Fiorentina defeated guests from Vienna 1:0. The players got the ball right from the sky! It was dropped from the plane by a famous pilot.

Lucky start was followed by lucky seasons. The stadium presented many outstanding performances and some decades later Fiorentina became one of the top Italian football clubs.