Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence, Italy
The Stadio Artemio Franchi stands proudly as a football stadium situated in Florence, Italy, serving as the current home of ACF Fiorentina. Originally known as the "Comunale," the stadium underwent a name change over the years. Initially constructed, it bore the name Stadio Giovanni Berta, in honour of the Florentine fascist Giovanni Berta.
The stadium officially opened its gates on 13 September 1931, featuring a match between Fiorentina and Admira Wien, which ended with a 1–0 victory for the home team. Although the inauguration took place in 1931, the stadium's completion was finalised in 1932. Designed by the renowned architect Pier Luigi Nervi, known for his work on the Nervi Hall in the Vatican, the Stadio Artemio Franchi is recognized as a significant example of 20th-century architecture in Florence.The stadium's historical significance extends beyond domestic matches, having hosted some games during the 1934 World Cup and serving as a venue for football preliminaries during the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. Notably, in 1945, the Stadio Artemio Franchi hosted the Spaghetti Bowl, a match between American service teams.
The stadium's official record attendance stands at 58,271, recorded on 25 November 1984, during a Serie A match between Fiorentina and Internazionale, showcasing its capacity to host large and passionate football crowds.