Gabriel Batistuta Shines Again in Fiorentina's 7-3 Centenary Celebration

On September 2, 2026, Gabriel Batistuta made a striking comeback at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, netting two goals during Fiorentina’s 7-3 victory in a centenary exhibition match. The Argentine striker joined legendary teammates like Manuel Rui Costa, Roberto Baggio, and Francesco Totti for the occasion, playing in front of over 20,000 fans who gathered to honor the club’s century of history.

Choosing the Curva Fiesole Goal

Batistuta revealed he chose to attack the goal beneath the Curva Fiesole after winning the pre-match coin toss. He said, "I won the toss and picked that goal because it feels familiar. Honestly, I’m not in shape to play, but I couldn’t miss Fiorentina’s celebration. I’m part of these 100 years, so I had to be here." He added, "I felt their love, and they clearly felt what I feel for them. It’s mutual, and I hope it lasts."

Joyful Celebration Amid Serie A Struggles

The lively centenary event contrasted sharply with Fiorentina’s recent official anniversary match on August 29, where Fabio Grosso’s team suffered a 3-0 defeat at home against newly promoted Frosinone in Serie A. Still, the city’s spirit remained high throughout the week, marked by torchlight parades and stunning light displays across Florence.

Batistuta stressed the unwavering passion of the city’s supporters, saying it goes beyond short-term results.

Batistuta on Fiorentina’s Unique Connection with Florence

Reflecting on his relationship with the club and its fanbase, Batistuta described the bond as something rare worldwide. He said, "The love the city has for this team is incredible, rarely seen anywhere else." When asked to define Fiorentina’s essence, he simply stated, "Don’t try to find explanations, you understand? Just feel it."

• Match: Fiorentina All-Stars 7 - 3 Operazione Nostalgia
• Date: 2 September 2026
• Venue: Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence
• Attendance: Over 20,000 supporters
• Goals by Batistuta: 2
• Recent Official Match Result: Fiorentina 0 - 3 Frosinone (29 August 2026)
• Next Serie A Fixture: Fiorentina vs Torino, 5 September 2026, 15:00