DESCRIPTION

Calcio Fiorentino was an early form of football that originated in 16th century Italy. The Piazza Santa Croce of Florence is the cradle of this sport, which became known as giuoco del calcio fiorentino ("Florentine kick game") or simply calcio ("kick").

Today, three matches are played each year in Piazza Santa Croce, during the 3rd week of June. The modern version allows tactics such as head-butting, punching, elbowing, and choking, but forbids sucker-punching and kicks to the head.