A Tuscan Double-Header: Watch Pisa and Fiorentina on the Same Weekend

One of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations, Tuscany is also a calcio hotbed.

With five teams across the top two tiers of Italian football, the region is a groundhopper’s dream and perfect for a double-header.

Take the weekend of October 17-18 for example.

Pisa host Cremonese in Serie B on the Saturday evening, before Fiorentina entertain Como in the top flight on the Sunday afternoon.

Saturday’s late kick-off means arriving at Pisa Airport on the morning of the game leaves plenty of time to explore the city before heading to the ground.

The most famous attraction, the Leaning Tower, is a 10-minute walk from the Arena Garibaldi. In fact, you can see the tower from sections of the stadium.

After dropping your bags off, head for lunch at Chilometro Toscano on Via Camillo Cavour, right by the River Arno. A favourite among locals, the restaurant specialises in traditional Tuscan food, from pasta dishes to delicious local cheeses and cold cuts.

Walk off the meal by heading to the ancient walls that encircle the historic centre and offer fantastic views over the city, before working your way back to the old town and past Piazza del Duomo towards the Arena Garibaldi.

Ignore the crowds queueing up for the Leaning Tower, you are heading for Spritzmania in Piazza Cairoli, a stone’s throw from the Ponte di Mezzo, for a pre-match drink.

Alternatively, the Violin Irish Pub, close to Piazza delle Vettovaglie, is as good a spot as any before the short walk to the Garibaldi. Head back to the same square after the final whistle for a nightcap, then get up early on Sunday to beat the crowd and stroll around Piazza del Duomo and the Leaning Tower.

An early alarm is more than worth it to see the square nearly empty.

Grab a croissant and cappuccino at any of the bars that line the 20-minute stroll to Pisa Centrale, and from there, Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station is an hour away.

When you arrive, reward yourself for the early start with a cappuccino at Pasticceria Nencioni on Via Pietrapiana in the heart of the city, before heading off to visit one of Florence’s many attractions.

Leave enough time to grab a quick bite to eat at Budellino on Via dei Neri, before heading to the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

The Green Store Pub on via Viale Malta is a Viola institution, then it’s a 15-minute walk to the ground, but be sure to grab one for the road at Bar Tabacchi Marisa on Via Viale Manfredo Fanti, one of the favourite meeting points for Fiorentina ultras.

Post-match, head back into town and treat yourself to a Bistecca alla Fiorentina – Florentine Steak. Amid a plethora of restaurants serving the city’s signature dish, Trattoria Dall‘Oste on Via Borgo S. Lorenzo, a 10-minute walk from Santa Maria Novella Basilica, is up there with the best of them. But book ahead, it can get very busy on weekends.

Tickets for Pisa games starts at €19 for adults. For tips and hints on booking a trip, check out our Pisa playbook.

Tickets for Fiorentina games start at €35 for adults. For tips and hints on booking a trip, check out our Fiorentina playbook.