Everybody hurts, but none like Viola much-worshipped strikers who left their one true love for Juve

Wise men say

Only fools rush in

But I can't help falling in love with you

Masses were gathering at Piazza Savonarola on the hot summer sun. The swollen river of purple scarfs and shirts was bursting on the edges as police officers with long batons and short fuses were trying to repress the enraged crowd. 

Once a hotbed of the renaissance, the city of Florence had never seen such riots in its long and fruitful history. It was boiling until it exploded! Protests turned into anarchy, with more than 50 people injured and thankfully with no casualties, although it seemed almost inevitable to avoid such tragedy.

And for what reason all that?  

For love and treason, of course. And football, what else.

The above scenes were seen in July 1990, following Roberto Baggio's move from Fiorentina to their arch-enemies, Juventus.

The Divine Ponytail has left his much-loved Viola in the aftermath of the 1990 FIFA World Cup for the world record fee at that moment, which caused until then unseen anger among the Fiorentina's supporters.

To say they had loved Bobby Baggio would be such an understatement - they adored the guy, establishing a bond following his arrival from Vincenza back in 1985. 

Baggio against Diego back in 1987 (©Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)

Just a few days before landing at Florence, Baggio suffered a severe injury, but Viola board decided to go on with a transfer. They paid forward all the medical treatment and swore to love and fidelity despite him being unable to play a game of football for another year.

Their love story prevailed over all the obstacles, and soon he proved himself as one of the best players in the club's history.

Well, everybody hurts sometimes

Everybody cries

Everybody hurts, sometimes

Among that crowd, protesting against Baggio's betrayal, was 15-year-old Matteo, Viola ultras gutted for the decision of his until-then idol.

"I am furious. Why do Fiorentina have to sell everyone to Juventus? At least, send them to some other club," he spoke a few nights ago to Italian television "La 7" , only this time as an adult, outraged due to Dusan Vlahovic's move to Bianconeri. This last shocking transfer triggered some of Matteo's old childhood traumas.

Juventus getting a goal machine, Vlahovic getting paid, Fiorentina ultras getting livid

In between Baggio's and Vlahovic's treason, Matteo became much more than a genuine fan with nine to five jobs - from February 2014 up to December 2016, he was the Prime Minister of Italy. Yes, Matteo Renzi, himself.

Renzi wearing the Viola's scarf in the stands against Juve in 2013 (©Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Imagine how much it hurts when a once-prime minister doesn't hesitate to go public in the TV show and admit he's heartbroken once again, for the same reason - Viola's icon moving to the much-hated Old Turin Lady.

MON: 22.45: (4.00) SPEZIA (3.60) FIORENTINA (2.00)

Someone once said that those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it. And especially if their love goes beyond limits and then crushes into a massive disappointment. When their loved one turns to that other.

Not once, not twice, but three times! Along with Baggio and Vlahovic, the pantheon of traitors is comprised of Federico Chiesa, too. 

The son of former Viola striker, Enrico, raised in the Fiorentina youth setups, used to kiss the club's crest to demonstrate faithfulness before doing the same old infidelity - replacing his long-lasting love for that handsome, high-class white collar.

Three adulteries in the span of 22 years - too much to keep your head up.

Love hurts, love scars

Love wounds and marks

Any heart

Not tough or strong enough

To take a lot of pain, take a lot of pain

P. S. The One who settles the score provided Fiorentina with much more than a consolation for their sorrowful love in the like of Batigol. But that's a whole another story you're yet to read here... 

By: Bojan Babic