PISA VS. FIORENTINA, DERBY DELL’ARNO AND HISTORY
In a league season, every match is worth three points. That’s the case pretty much everywhere, and Serie A is no exception. While this rule is unwavering, it’s also true that “not all games carry the same weighting.” A motto for the fans, a note to highlight on their calendars for the most passionate supporters. The atmosphere around the Arena Garibaldi has grown heavier recently, and even despite avoiding thinking about it, the mind wanders to the next fixture. Pisa vs. Fiorentina is scheduled for Sunday at 15:00 CEST; after 23 years, the two cities lying on the Arno will once again meet on the banks of the river, battling it out in what is considered one of the most intense derbies in Italian football.
Guelfs, ghibellines, and historical divisions
The historic rivalry between Pisans and Florentines is centuries old, and even if for many loyal Nerazzurri fans (if not almost all), the match against Livorno deserves a top spot on the podium for its rivalry, the match against the Viola equally embodies the competitive spirit, not just when it comes to sports. The divide is much deeper, dating back to medieval times: Pisa on the side of the Ghibellines, and Florence in support of the Guelphs. Historical records trace the rivalry to the era of maritime trade routes, when Pisa imposed tariffs on Florence for the passage of goods. And then comes the present day, where this centuries-old rivalry takes shape on the football pitch.
Previously, the two teams have placed each other 25 times in total, 14 of them in Serie A. Not a huge number, but it’s still very decisive. Overall, Fiorentina take the lead with 14 wins, compared to seven draws and four victories for Pisa. Their most recent match was in the 2002/03 season: Pisa came out on top of the then ‘Fiorentina Viola’ (a name that was adopted following the club’s bankruptcy the year before) in the Coppa Italia Serie C. It was thanks to a goal from Frati that the match ended 0-1, making it the only Pisa victory at the Stadio Franchi, at Fiorentina’s home. In the league, the last game was back in Serie B in 1993/94, where in the first leg, Fiorentina won 4-1, but in the return leg at the Arena Garibaldi, it ended 0-0. At the end of that season, the Viola were promoted back to Serie A, while Pisa were relegated to Serie C1 after losing on penalties against Acireale.
Gila’s violin, Cuadrado’s sprints, and Pioli’s record
A special game, not just for the fans but also for Alberto Gilardino and Juan Cuadrado, two iconic players of this fixture. The Biella-born coach held his own in the match against Napoli and now aims to secure his first league victory by beating his beloved Fiorentina. For the Colombian winger, it’s a test of character. In the opening round, he has mostly come off the bench as a substitute, and in the Arena Garibaldi clash, his experience could prove invaluable to seal a victory. Considering past stats, some impressive numbers come to light: Gilardino played for Fiorentina between 2008 and 2012 and again in 2015, making a total of 153 appearances and 63 goals, like a violin that was often played around the Stadio Franchi. For Cuadrado, the purple jersey represents success: three seasons (2012-2015) in which he won the fans’ hearts with his runs down the flank, leading the team to the Coppa Italia final, which they lost to Napoli in 2014. Goals and assists, which the two former players once impressed Florentine fans with, but on Sunday, it will be all about claiming valuable points for Pisa.
Stefano Pioli will be making his debut as a coach against Pisa, called up after the home defeat to Como. As a player, the Fiorentina manager faced the Nerazzurri four times, three times with Verona and once with Fiorentina. The Arena Garibaldi game serves as an important test for Pioli to take the first step towards climbing the league table. The intensity of the derby could fuel the team, with a victory worth far more than the usual three points.
Dunga the great former play of both sides
While taking a look at the clubs’ history, it is impossible not to mention Carlos Dunga, a player who made history at both clubs. The Brazilian arrived in Italy in 1987, signed by Pisa. He quickly proved himself as a fighter on the pitch and disproved the initial scepticism surrounding him. Known for his fiery temperament, tactical awareness, and determination, Dunga was leader in Pisa’s midfield, playing a key role in securing their Serie A survival. That one season (1987/88) was enough to win over Pisa fans, who still remember him fondly as one of the strongest players to ever play at the Arena Garibaldi.
After a great season, Carlos Dunga moved to Fiorentina in the summer of 1988. Florence saw him develop fundamentally over those four years. He reached the 1990 UEFA Cup final (defeated by Juventus), playing a key role in that European campaign. Wearing the purple jersey, he played with icons like Roberto Baggio and Gabriel Omar Batistuta, as well as being Stefano Pioli’s teammate. Dunga ended his time at Fiorentina in 1992. (Photo LaPresse + Getty Images)