Ancient Italian Sport Makes Maggot Fest Look Like Little Guy Football [VIDEO]

The 40th annual Maggot Fest is set to take place May 7th and 8th this year. People from all over the world flock to Missoula to see one hardcore rugby tournament. But, on the other side of the world, is an ancient tournament that makes Maggot Fest look like pee-wee football. It is called Calcio Fiorentino, and it literally means "historic football." It is what would happen if soccer and rugby had a baby with MMA fighting. No pads, no headgear, just fists and a ball.

According to Wikipedia
Matches last 50 minutes and are played on a field covered in sand, twice as long as it is wide. A white line divides the field into two identical squares, and a goal net runs the width of each end. Each team has 27 players with no substitutions. The teams are made up of four Datori indietro (goalkeepers), 3 Datori innanzi (fullbacks), 5 Sconciatori (halfbacks), 15 Innanzi o Corridori (forwards). The Captain and Standard Bearer's tent sits at the center of the goal net. They do not actively participate in the game, but can organize their teams and sometimes act as referees, mainly to calm down their players or to stop fights.

The Referee and his six linesmen referee the match, in collaboration with the Judge Commissioner, who remains off the field. Above everyone else, is the Master of the Field. He makes sure the games runs smoothly, stepping into the field only to maintain discipline and reestablish order in case of a fight on the field.

The prize is also interesting, because along with the Palio, the winning team receives a Chianina Cow.

GLADIATORS SPIRIT'S IS STILL ALIVE Calcio storico Fiorentino from Brice Ansel on Vimeo.