October 2009 was the last time we set foot in an Italian ground to view a top level match so we figured it was about time we put an end to that record. We'd been to Florence previously on holiday and if you are thinking of going, do it! It's a wonderful city with friendly people, decent shopping, delicious food and a team that plays in purple.
I'd actually seen Fiorentina play many moons ago in a pre-season game at the old Filbert Street in Leicester prior to the 2001/2 season in a game that ended 3-3. Back in those days the Viola had been banished to Serie C or whatever it was back then for financial issues and almost went out of existence.
Thankfully those days are gone and amidst a sea of purple we headed up to the Stadio Artemio Franchi to laze in the Tuscan sun and take in the game. The stadium is a moderate walk from the centre of town, two long streets off the Duomo up to Campo di Marte train station, take the bridge over the line and there it is. The streets were lined with stalls selling sausage sandwiches and merchandise along with ice cream parlours doing a roaring trade for a Sunday.
We had purchased our tickets at the Disco store in the arcade just below Santa Maria Novella station, simply ask at the counter and you shall receive, just remember to take your passport when buying the tickets and again when entering the ground in accordance with the law that came in 2006 following the death of Filippo Raciti at the Sicilian derby violence, every person entering the ground must have I.D and their name on the ticket.
Inside the stadium appears to be much like an athletics stadium, the main stand has a roof with the remaining stands uncovered but with cracking views of the Tuscan hills behind the curva's. Its worth noting that the seats are incredibly tight on the leg room so either head to your seat early or plot a decent climbing route over the surrounding seats! We were based in the Lateral stand.
Fiorentina sat fourth coming into this one with Udinese struggling in 14th spot, both sides missing big hitters Guiseppe Rossi, Fiorentina and Antonio Di Natale for the visitors. The home side began the brighter, with the curva getting into full voice and treating us to a show of banners and the odd flare.
Fiorentina were carving the Udinese back line to pieces yet couldn't capitalise on the openings. The only threat from the visitors came in the shape of Luis Muriel deputising for Di Natale. Gradually the Viola began to turn the screw and the lively Guillermo Cuadrado lined up an effort from 25 yards with the aid of a deflection put the home side ahead resulting in a strange dancing celebration from the goalscorer.
After half time it was more of the same, Udinese threatening on the counter but the Viola pushing forward in search of the killer second goal and as Matos broke forward and slipped in Cuadrado, the lively striker had his legs taken away for a penalty. Gonzalo Rodriguez stepped up and fired into the top corner to keep the points firmly in Tuscany, or so we thought.
As many decided to head off to catch a pizza a serge down the right produced a mis-hit cross from Bruno Fernandes and all of a sudden Udinese were back in the game, unbelievable Jeff! A tense final few minutes followed, enough time for Fiorentina to introduce out of favour Manchester United loanee Anderson who's contribution consisted of giving the ball away with each of the two (heavy) touches he had, and people moan about Tom Cleverley.
Final whistle and an enjoyable afternoon at one of the more relaxing venues we'd been to for a game on our travels, an easy escape from the ground and discovery that we'd both caught a bronze tint was reason enough to declare this a success. Florence, we love you!
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