Francesco TOLDO 1993-01
His breathtaking performances in Euro 2000, coupled with his fine form over the latter years at the club, secured his place ahead of Giuliano Sarti and Enrico Albertosi. Despite his colossal frame he was surprisingly agile and, unlike many Italian ‘keepers, Toldo commanded his box well in Tuscany. Financial problems enforced his sale to Inter.
Ardico MAGNINI 1950-58
Supreme right-back in the great championship-winning side of 1956, he was an outstanding man-marker famous for his well-timed tackles. Magnini was an international regular during the 1950s.
Sergio CERVATO 1948-59
One of the finest defenders to have graced Serie A, he was exceptionally quick and a tireless competitor. He also boasted a fierce shot and took both penalties and free-kicks. Often contributed to the Viola's attacks, scoring 31 goals during his 10 years in Florence.
Francesco ROSETTA 1948-57
Stopper in the great Fulvio Bernardini side of the 1950s. Hard and uncompromising yet also graceful and refined, he was signed from Torino where he had already won the Scudetto. Rosetta played a big part in the Viola set-up that only conceded a miserly 20 goals in 1955-56.
Ugo FERRANTE 1963-72
Brilliant and unsung sweeper who starred in the 1969 Scudetto triumph. Solid and dependable at the back, Ferrante could also make surging runs forward to split the opposition in half. Italy had a crop of outstanding defenders at the time and this stopped Ferrante winning more than three caps.
Giuseppe CHIAPPELA 1949-60
A master in midfield, he began his career in the centre before moving to a wider role. He is seen as the most important member of the glorious 1955-56 side, the vital cog in Fulvio Bernardini's machine. When it came to commitment and bravery, no other player in Italy could match him. Still revered in Florence.
Giancarlo DE SISTI 1965-74
Tenacious and committed midfield player who was the lynchpin of the 1969 Scudetto-winning side. He combined ball-winning ability with clever attacking play and had a wonderful positional sense. Renowned for his neat passes through the middle, he was also a fearless tackler and was nicknamed 'Picchio’ – which means 'I hit.’
Giancarlo ANTOGNONI 1972-87
Perhaps the most loved Viola star of all, this elegant playmaker was a club stalwart for 15 years. He played just behind the forwards as a classic schemer – a quick mover with a powerful and precise right foot. His sublime long passes set up many counter-attacks and he had the vision to switch play in an instant.
Kurt HAMRIN 1958-67
Devastating Swedish right winger who was also a scoring machine. His 150 Serie A goals for the Viola was a club record for more than 30 years. His exploits are still remembered in the city. Fast and direct, his forte was cutting into the box from wide positions. A superb opportunist and brilliant finisher in front of goal.
Gabriel BATISTUTA 1991-00
The greatest Fiorentina striker of all time. The Argentine arrived in 1991 and was an instant hit with the fans dubbing him 'Batigol'. In nine years with the Viola, he broke Hamrin's 150-goal record. A striker with no weaknesses – superb on the ground, with a potent left foot, he was also strong in the air and took a mean free-kick.
Giuseppe VIRGILI 1954-58
A much-loved member of the 1950s side, this powerful forward formed a telepathic understanding with inside-forward Miguel Montuori. Virgili scored 21 goals during the 1955-56 Scudetto triumph and in his 101 games for the Viola scored 55 goals, guaranteeing a strike every other game.
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Without doubt, the finest Coach in the club's history. Known as 'il dottore' – the doctor – he built a stylish and powerful side that cruised to the 1955-56 Scudetto, losing just one game – the very last one at Genoa – and gave the great Real Madrid a fright in the 1957 European Cup Final. The 1955-56 team is regarded as one of the best Serie A has ever seen and Bernardini's men should have won more titles being runners-up in 1957, 1958, 1959 and 1960.