ACF Fiorentina

Neither Fiorentina or opponents Genoa will have much to play for. I would expect a half empty stadium, and and subdued atmosphere. Perhaps I’m a soccer snob, but I wouldn’t waste vacation time attending it.

I've attended a few matches and have never encountered a problem. It's best not to wear the opposing team's colors. I recommend seats in the Maratona Centrale section (MAC and MAD), right on the midfield line and not expensive (except for big matches like Juve). You'll need your passports when you buy the tickets and to pass through security at the stadium. Tickets can be purchased at the Fiorentina store on Borgo San Lorenzo (longer hours) or at the kiosk in the Central Market food court (shorter hours but rarely busy).

Edit: Avoid seats in the end zones as these a filled with the livliest Fiorentina fans on one end and visiting fans on the other. They may be tempting pricewise, but the Maratona seats don't cost much more and are more family friendly (plus great views).

Thanks to you both. Though we're only casual fans of the sport, and of Italian football in general, it sounds like it might be a pleasant thing to do on a sunny Sunday afternoon ... assuming that the weather cooperates.
Appreciate the insight about preferred seating - very helpful.

Michael Schneider of NY.
Attending a Fiorentina match is NEVER A WASTE OF TIME, even if this year the championship is pretty much settled and Fiorentina did not do brilliantly (mid table).

Forza Viola!

Robert:

I agree that the Maratona stands on the side of Maratona Blvd (now Via Nervi) are the best value. Those stands are not covered so if it’s sunny make sure you wear a hat and put some sun screen on the left side of your body (the sun will be on your left).

And now some gastronomic tips.

On Viale dei Mille, on the left side at the start of the Blvd, right past the corner with the plaza where the stadium is, there is the best sandwich shop in Florence. It’s called: Scheggi. Excellent for a quick stand up lunch before entering the stadium. It’s usually open on a Sunday when Fiorentina plays at home.

Still on Viale dei Mille, a little further up, at the corner with Via Nino Bixio, is one of the best Gelaterie in Florence. It’s called “Badiani”. Don’t miss the opportunity for a great gelato after the match while you wait for the crowds to dissipate and get on a bus back to downtown (unless you like to walk, which is doable albeit quite a walk).

Thanks for the tips Roberto. Much appreciated.
Can we bring food into the stadium?
Sounds like we should be wearing purple that day, huh?

You can bring anything that could not be used to injure someone if launched. Therefore they don’t allow any type of drink in a can or a bottle (only plastic cups).
Sandwiches are allowed, although Scheggi’s sandwiches are pretty heavy so they can probably hurt people if taken in the head (but who would be so crazy to throw away one of those delicacies?).
I would eat it before going, the day match starts at 3pm, so you have plenty of time for a quick lunch. That way you can drink a beer too. On the east side of the stadium there is a little park where you can sit down. You can drink alcoholic beverages in the streets and in a park in Italy (but they are not allowed inside the stadium anymore).
Definitely you can wear “viola” in Florence, you receive better service if you do. Black and white (Juventus colors) are absolutely forbidden anywhere in the city. Florence is the only city in Italy without a Juve club (occasionally they try to open one, but accidentally burns every time probably because of self combustion).

Roberto is correct, the sandwiches at Scheggi are outstanding. You get to pick a meat and a sauce, with around 8-10 of each to choose from on any given day. If you're not sure which sauces go well with the meat you've selected, just ask and they'll recommend a couple. A former co-worker who grew up in Florence (not Roberto) recommended Scheggi to me and I've been hooked since my first visit.

The Fiorentina store near the stadium is open on game days in case you want to stop for a last-minute purchase of something viola. It will be amlost the end of the season when you're there, so you might get lucky and find some really nice discounted items. They always seem to have more discounted items than the store on Borgo San Lorenzo, and sometimes not all the availabe sizes are on display so ask.

Thanks for the tips. Looks like we know where we'll be having lunch that day.

Sorry to jump in so late on this... are you referring to the May 11 AC Milan match? If so, through which site did you purchase tickets? I see 2 different start times on different sites -- 2:30pm and 8:30pm -- so I'm not sure if I'm on the right site. Thank you!

No, I was referring to their last match of the season which is the afternoon of May 26th.
Am advised that the games don't sell out so I plan to just wander down to the Fiorentina store near the Duomo to purchase tickets a day or two prior.
Suggest looking at the team's website at http://en.violachannel.tv/ - believe everything you need to know is on there, including schedules, ticketing information, etc.

I did see that site but it’s only showing tickets for the 4/29 match. Perhaps I’ll take your lead and purchase once we’re there. Thanks, Robert!