Calcio Storico: Verdi Shock Bianchi

In a stunning upset in Florence’s second Calcio Storico semi-final on June 10, the Verdi of San Giovanni bested the Bianchi of Santo Spirito, the favored team: 9 and a half cacce (points) to 5.

The Verdi proved too strong to beat from the beginning of the game, controlling an exciting but controversy-free match. Though the Bianchi fought tirelessly to break the lead of the San Giovanni players, their efforts weren’t enough to overcome the iron-clad strategy and strength of the ascendant Verdi.

The final will take place on Sunday, June 24, in the same Santa Croce arena. The Verdi will face off against the Rossi of Santa Maria Novella, who played an exhibition match against a mix of Bianchi and Verdi on Saturday (in the aftermath of the Azurri’s withdrawal from the tournament).

View Repubblica’s slideshow of the game here.

(tyler bunton)