The sun was shining upon the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence last Tuesday as supporters began to arrive.
They came in small groups; men, women, children and elderly supporters alike, entering the stand under the immense tower that dominates the landscape of the surrounding area. On the gate, stewards simply nodded and allowed everyone through, because for one day only, there were no tickets sold, no profit to be made and, in fact, no match to be played.
Just 24 hours before their Coppa Italia semi-final against Atalanta, Fiorentina had decided to hold an open training session at their stadium and allow supporters to watch.