Soccer fans will find their place in this neighbourhood, which has one of the most famous and prestigious centres of the much-loved sport.

The name Coverciano will sound familiar to soccer fans, as it is the nickname of the F.I.G.C. Centro Tecnico Federale, the home of the Italian Football Federation. In the town of Coverciano, visit the Football Museum and the Church of San Michele. An upper room of the church’s adjoined Benedictine monastery has been converted into a museum.

The F.I.G.C. Centro Tecnico Federale, also known as Casa Italia, is the technical headquarters of the Italian Football Federation and the central training grounds for the Italian national soccer teams. Step onto these prestigious sporting fields, which have been the training grounds for some of Italy’s most legendary soccer players. The immense facilities include multiple soccer pitches, a library, a hotel and a restaurant. The museum is open to the general public while some of the other areas are restricted.

The Museo del Calico (Football Museum) takes you through the history of the national team. View valuable memorabilia such as shoes, banners, trophies, mementoes and shirts from some of Italy’s most valuable early players including Piola and Biavati, as well as international stars such as Pele and Maradona.

Be sure to see Coverciano’s small but special church. Tour the Chiesa San Michele a San Salvi, a Catholic church on the western side of the neighbourhood. Its museum holds artworks, including a painted depiction of the Last Supper that is beloved by many. It is near Campo di Marte, walking distance from the Campo di Marte train station.

To reach Coverciano, get a bus from central Florence that stops outside the soccer complex or catch a train to Campo di Marte train station and then get the bus from there. These routes take from 30 minutes to an hour. The closeness to Artemio Franchi Stadium means you can combine a visit to Coverciano with several hours at a live match.

If you’re enthusiastic about soccer, don’t miss the opportunity to see its Italian home in Coverciano.