New Fiorentina start at bottom
Wednesday, August 7, 2002
Article summary
The club formed out of the now defunct AC Fiorentina will begin life in Serie C2.
Article body
The club formed out of the financial collapse of AC Fiorentina is to start life in Italian football's fourth division.
Start in Serie C2
Fiorentina 1926 Florentia must compete in Serie C2, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) ruled this afternoon. Last week, AC Fiorentina finally went under after failing to convince the FIGC, and the country's company watchdog Covisoc, that the team were fit to compete in Serie B.
Hopes dashed
It had been hoped that the new club, created last Thursday by Florence's city council, headed by the city's mayor, and backed by a Tuscan millionaire businessman, Diego Della Valle, could have played the 2002/03 season in Serie C1. Serie C2 is the lowest professional tier, a regional competition comprising three groups of 18 teams.
League tried
However, Innocenzo Mazzini, one of three league officials who met this morning, said: "We have done everything to allow Fiorentina to play in C1 but the federation cannot operate outside the law. But at least they are playing in the professional championship.
Teams unhappy
"There were a few teams who were unhappy about Fiorentina in Serie C, but I don't want to talk about that," Mazzini added. "It could have been worse because the FIGC could have placed the club in the amateur ranks."
