Francesco TOLDO 1993-01
His breathtaking performances in Euro 2000, coupled with his fine form over
the latter years at the club, secured his place ahead of Giuliano Sarti and
Enrico Albertosi. Despite his colossal frame he was surprisingly agile and,
unlike many Italian ‘keepers, Toldo commanded his box well in Tuscany.
Financial problems enforced his sale to Inter.
Ardico MAGNINI 1950-58
Supreme right-back in the great championship-winning side of 1956, he was an
outstanding man-marker famous for his well-timed tackles. Magnini was an
international regular during the 1950s.
Sergio CERVATO 1948-59
One of the finest defenders to have graced Serie A, he was exceptionally
quick and a tireless competitor. He also boasted a fierce shot and took both
penalties and free-kicks. Often contributed to the Viola's attacks, scoring
31 goals during his 10 years in Florence.
Francesco ROSETTA 1948-57
Stopper in the great Fulvio Bernardini side of the 1950s. Hard and
uncompromising yet also graceful and refined, he was signed from Torino where
he had already won the Scudetto. Rosetta played a big part in the Viola
set-up that only conceded a miserly 20 goals in 1955-56.
Ugo FERRANTE 1963-72
Brilliant and unsung sweeper who starred in the 1969 Scudetto triumph. Solid
and dependable at the back, Ferrante could also make surging runs forward to
split the opposition in half. Italy had a crop of outstanding defenders at
the time and this stopped Ferrante winning more than three caps.
Giuseppe CHIAPPELA 1949-60
A master in midfield, he began his career in the centre before moving to a
wider role. He is seen as the most important member of the glorious 1955-56
side, the vital cog in Fulvio Bernardini's machine. When it came to
commitment and bravery, no other player in Italy could match him. Still
revered in Florence.
Giancarlo DE SISTI 1965-74
Tenacious and committed midfield player who was the lynchpin of the 1969
Scudetto-winning side. He combined ball-winning ability with clever attacking
play and had a wonderful positional sense. Renowned for his neat passes
through the middle, he was also a fearless tackler and was nicknamed 'Picchio
’ – which means 'I hit.’
Giancarlo ANTOGNONI 1972-87
Perhaps the most loved Viola star of all, this elegant playmaker was a club
stalwart for 15 years. He played just behind the forwards as a classic
schemer – a quick mover with a powerful and precise right foot. His sublime
long passes set up many counter-attacks and he had the vision to switch play
in an instant.
Kurt HAMRIN 1958-67
Devastating Swedish right winger who was also a scoring machine. His 150
Serie A goals for the Viola was a club record for more than 30 years. His
exploits are still remembered in the city. Fast and direct, his forte was
cutting into the box from wide positions. A superb opportunist and brilliant
finisher in front of goal.
Gabriel BATISTUTA 1991-00
The greatest Fiorentina striker of all time. The Argentine arrived in 1991
and was an instant hit with the fans dubbing him 'Batigol'. In nine years
with the Viola, he broke Hamrin's 150-goal record. A striker with no
weaknesses – superb on the ground, with a potent left foot, he was also
strong in the air and took a mean free-kick.
Giuseppe VIRGILI 1954-58
A much-loved member of the 1950s side, this powerful forward formed a
telepathic understanding with inside-forward Miguel Montuori. Virgili scored
21 goals during the 1955-56 Scudetto triumph and in his 101 games for the
Viola scored 55 goals, guaranteeing a strike every other game.
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