The Big Ball in Prato

The game of "Big Ball" has its origins in the Middle Ages. Much like the Florentine football, it was already practiced in the Meadow at the end of the sixteenth century.

The tournament of the ball Grossa was a citizen memorable event, held to celebrate anniversaries or extraordinary solemn festivities.

They were allowed to play only aristocratic men of noble birth; later opened to all young people with good skills, recalling many visitors.

The game was so called because it was played in a shorter field with a ball bigger and heavier than the Florentine football.

The kicking Florentines were playing with a smaller ball, even hitting it with his hands.

The football game was played in Prato inPiazza Duomo using only his feet to hit the ball, as the  square was not as large as that of Santa Croce in Florence.