Every year in Florence, Italy, men from different neighbourhoods gather in teams to defend their honor, their pride and their masculinity with three days of Florence football, also known as Calcio Storico (historical football). These men have trained hard, and have been toughened by years of playing the violent game. There are no rules. Players may handle the ball however they want, and they may tackle others however they want. Fights are common, as are severe injuries. The aim of the game is to get the ball across their opponents goal line by whichever means is necessary.
The game dates back to the 16th century, and players continue to wear clothing from that era as well as fighting for a prize that would have been exceptionally valuable four hundred years ago; a white veal calf.
