Fiorentina near their centenary with pride intact after persistent heartbreak

March 24 : As Fiorentina approach their centenary in August, a history marked by near-misses rather than silverware has forged a supporter culture defined by weary defiance and a belief undimmed by repeated setbacks.

The club's modern era has been one of sparse rewards. Fiorentina's most recent major domestic trophy remains the 2001 Coppa Italia, a success that now feels distant. Their last sustained period of glory dates to the 1960s when they won the European Cup Winners’ Cup, two Italian Cups and a Serie A title.

Recent failures have only sharpened the sense of frustration among fans in the Tuscan capital. Fiorentina lost the 2023 and 2024 Europa Conference League finals and were beaten in the 2023 Coppa Italia final, turning seasons of promise into a familiar pattern of disappointment.

"It is not obvious... to support a team like Fiorentina," Antonio Bucciarelli, president of a Fiorentina supporters' association, told Reuters. 

"We have had our share of suffering, on and off the field. Sometimes it is hard to explain to those on the outside. They ask, 'Why do you support them if you never win?' But the flame still burns."

This season has followed a familiar pattern. Pre-season hopes that a side led by veteran coach Stefano Pioli could challenge for the top four unravelled after a woeful start. By November, Fiorentina were bottom of the table and Pioli was dismissed.

The arrival of Paolo Vanoli has since restored some momentum. A resilient league run has lifted them off the foot of the standings, though safety is not assured, while a place in the Europa Conference League quarter-finals, where they will face Crystal Palace, has offered a glimpse of possible redemption.

“I am used to the suffering,” Bucciarelli said. “I have a