piazza signoria
Florence may be known as the ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’, a city of art, beauty and invention, but when Crystal Palace fans arrive on Thursday, they’ll find a city of security.
With more than 1,300 Crystal Palace fans expected in the city for tomorrow’s Conference League showdown with Fiorentina, authorities have activated a full-scale plan to protect both public order and the city’s priceless monuments.
Florence on alert over Crystal Palace
La Nazione report on the various, and quite extreme, security measures being taken for the game.
First of all, Florence will operate under reinforced security from the early morning. There will be barriers around the Duomo, the Biancone (Neptune Fountain), the Loggia dei Lanzi and other landmarks. This is due to concerns of English fans gathering in the historic centre.
Police, Carabinieri and Guardia di Finanza units, some in riot gear, will patrol the city throughout the day. Their mission is clear; prevent clashes, keep fans apart and protect Florence’s busiest and most fragile areas.
Monuments under special protection
The city’s artistic treasures are receiving unprecedented attention.
Following orders from the Prefecture and Questura, municipal teams have installed anti‑ram barriers around various monuments in the city.
These protections will remain in place from 8AM Wednesday to midnight on Thursday. The plan is to create a secure perimeter designed to prevent vandalism or accidental damage.
There are even parking restrictions in place across the historic centre. Any vehicle left inside the protected zone, unless displaying a disabled permit, will be towed and impounded. The goal is full visibility and control for the police.
Alcohol crackdown
As is often the case in fixtures deemed high-risk, Florence has also imposed a ban on off-premise alcohol sales for the entire match-day. The hope is that will reduce the likelihood of disorder or rowdy behaviour.
For 48 hours, Florence will function as a ‘fortified city’. The focus is very much on protecting their heritage.
That will include transporting Crystal Palace’s travelling contingent on buses directly to the away section. The plan is to prevent roaming groups and reduce the risk of confrontations.
So, while Crystal Palace head to Italy feeling secure with their 3-0 win from the first leg, they will be entering a city that is also secure.
Perhaps a little too much. But then, English fans should be accustomed to gross over the top authorities at this point.