The rivalry between Juventus and Fiorentina is one of Serie A’s fiercest, in spirit if not in the pursuit of trophies.
When legendary striker Roberto Baggio moved from the Viola to the Old Lady in 1990, there were actual riots on the streets of Florence.
The most recent player to travel this route is Federico Bernardeschi, a 23-year-old winger who scored 11 goals in 32 league games last season.
Juventus have long-coveted the young Italian international, and appear to have finally got their man after reportedly agreeing a deal worth £35 million and Juve midfielder Stefano Sturaro.
Now while there are no riots (yet) in Florence over the deal, there has been some backlash, most notably in the form of a banner unveiled outside of Fiorentina’s stadium.
Erected by a group of the club’s ultras, the banner – which was posted online by Italian football journalist Adam Digby – reads “Who wouldn’t like to spit you in your face… Bernardeschi you shitty hunchback”.
"Who wouldn't like to spit you in your face… Bernardeschi you shitty hunchback" – banner at Fiorentina stadium amid talk of #Juventus move pic.twitter.com/5WM3AYoRPX
— Adam Digby (@Adz77) July 17, 2017
So while the deal is yet to be completed, it appears that the bridge between Bernardeschi and Viola fans has been well and truly burnt.
On the plus, “you shitty hunchback” is a top quality insult, and one that we hope to see in English football throughout the coming season.
