ACF Fiorentina–Juventus FC rivalry

The rivalry between ACF Fiorentina and Juventus FC is a clash between two Italian cities: Florence and Turin. Unlike most major football rivalries, it did not grow from close geography, political divides, or a long history of competitive balance. Instead, it emerged in the later part of the 20th century, fueled by local pride (campanilismo), deep resentment, and repeated accusations of theft.

Several factors have kept the feud alive: controversial cup final meetings and fierce competition for players. When a footballer moves between the two clubs—especially from Florence to Turin—fans often label him a traitor. Juventus is Italy’s most decorated club, with a record 36 league titles, 14 Coppa Italia wins, and nine Supercoppa Italiana trophies. Fiorentina, by contrast, has won two league titles, six Coppa Italia cups, and one Supercoppa.

The roots of the rivalry lie partly in a broader Italian trend: fans in Tuscany grew tired of locals abandoning their hometown teams to support the country’s most successful side, Juventus. Like many European giants, the Bianconeri attracted supporters nationwide, but Florence largely stayed loyal to Fiorentina. Adding to the sting was a humiliating 11–0 defeat in their first league meeting in 1928—a scoreline neither fanbase has forgotten. The two also met in the 1960 Coppa Italia final, which Juventus won.

The 1981–82 Serie A title race turned the rivalry bitter. In 1980, wealthy builder Flavio Pontello bought Fiorentina, aiming for a third scudetto and building the team around Italian star Giancarlo Antognoni. On the final matchday, both sides were tied on 44 points. Fiorentina faced relegation-threatened Cagliari, who needed a point to stay up, while Juventus traveled to mid-table Catanzaro. Fiorentina had a goal disallowed for a push on the goalkeeper, and the match ended 0–0, saving Cagliari. Meanwhile, in Calabria, Catanzaro was denied a penalty, but Juventus was awarded one, scoring to win 1–0 and claim the title. Afterward, Antognoni famously said, “They have stolen the title.” Fiorentina fans coined the phrase, “Better to be second than thieves.”

In 1985, Fiorentina bought 18-year-old striker Roberto Baggio from Vicenza for 2.7 billion lire (£1.5 million). He became one of the league’s top players and led Fiorentina to the 1989–90 UEFA Cup final—the first all-Italian final in the tournament’s history—against Juventus. Both teams had narrowly beaten German sides in the semis: Fiorentina edged Werder Bremen on away goals, and Juventus beat 1. FC Köln 3–2.

The final was played over two legs. The first was in Turin; the second was moved to Avellino’s Stadio Partenio because Fiorentina’s home stadium was being renovated for the 1990 World Cup. It had originally been scheduled for Perugia, near Florence, but was moved further south as punishment for a pitch invasion during the Werder Bremen match. Avellino had many Juventus fans, worrying Fiorentina supporters. During the first leg, with the score 1–1, officials missed an apparent push by Juventus’ Pierluigi Casiraghi on Fiorentina’s Celeste Pin, allowing Angelo Alessio’s deflected shot to put the home side ahead. Juventus won 3–1. After the match, Pin was heard shouting “thieves” at Juventus manager Dino Zoff. Between legs, Juventus goalkeeper Stefano Tacconi said his side would win on the pitch. The second leg ended 0–0, and Juventus became the first Italian team to win two UEFA Cups.

Pontello’s financial troubles soon forced him to sell Baggio. Juventus paid a then-world-record 25 billion lire (£8 million) for him. The transfer sparked severe riots in Florence: fans laid siege to the club headquarters, throwing bricks, chains, and Molotov cocktails. Pontello took refuge in the Stadio Artemio Franchi for two days; 50 people were injured and nine arrested. Baggio was branded a traitor, but he remained attached to Florence and its club. On his return to face Fiorentina, he refused to take a penalty awarded to Juventus and waved a Viola scarf thrown by fans toward the Curva Fiesole, the ultras’ section. That gesture endeared him to Fiorentina supporters but alienated him from Juventus fans.