The first polo match in Piazza Santa Croce

J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global and U.S. Polo Assn. tells us about it

On Wednesday, June 12, the first friendly polo match between Italy and France was played in Piazza Santa Croce, played on the famous sabbione in the center of Florence.

We discuss this with J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing/U.S. Polo Assn., who explains how this unprecedented event came about during Pitti Uomo.

J. Michael Prince

Polo and Calcio Storico: how did the idea for this synergy come about?

The 135-year history of the United States Polo Association is an important part of our DNA. A sport as ancient and representative of the history of Florence as Calcio Storico really resonates with us, especially when you consider that polo has a history of over 2,000 years.

Who are the organisers of this unprecedented polo match?

The U.S. Polo Assn. is the main promoter of the event, in collaboration with the Municipality of Florence, Calcio Storico Fiorentino and, of course, FISE. Together, we have brought the Italian and French national teams together for a sporting event that celebrates the great traditions of Florence. The U.S. Polo Assn. is proud to outfit the polo players, football players and flag bearers in U.S. Polo Assn. polo shirts for the parade prior to both games. A customised U.S. Polo Assn. Double Horsemen Performance Team T-shirt has been designed for the Italian and French national teams. In addition, customised caps bearing the words Firenze Polo Tribute 2024 will be distributed.

Piazza Santa Croce seen from above (ph. Dario Garofalo)

Which teams are involved?

The Italian and French national polo teams in a friendly match with three players each: for Italy, Stefano Giansanti, captain, Giordano Magini and Goffredo Cutinelli Rendina; for France, Elouan Badarello, Côme Dubois and Jules Legoubin..

You have been given the ancient role of Messere for the occasion....

Traditionally, this role is given to someone with a special connection to Florence. In the Calcio Storico ceremonial, my role is to announce the decree of the Signoria, known as the ‘Grida’, and to hand over the command to the Maestro di Campo with the now famous phrase: ‘Maestro di Campo, a te il comando!’ [field master, command is yours] It was, of course, a great honour for me to be given this role.