Ep 1. Calcio Storico

Home Game is a sports-centered documentary series that takes its viewers on a tour of the world, exploring some of the most unique and bizarre sports played in different cultures. In the first episode, titled Calcio Storico, the series looks at a sport called Calcio Storico, which is a violent and intense version of soccer that has been played in Florence, Italy for over 500 years.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to Florence, its history and culture, as well as a glimpse of the beautiful architecture and landmarks that make the city so unique. Then, we are transported to a dusty, dirt-covered field, where a group of men are getting ready to play a game. They are dressed in traditional Renaissance-style clothes, with bare-chested muscular bodies, and wearing a bizarre headpiece that resembles a hat with a long tail. These players are taking part in Calcio Storico.

The rules of the game are explained in brief: two teams of 27 players each, representing different neighborhoods of Florence, battle it out for 50 minutes, trying to score as many goals as possible into the opposing team's goal. There are no substitutions, and players are allowed to use any means necessary, including punching, tackling, and head-butting, to stop their opponents from scoring.

The documentary then dives deeper into the history of Calcio Storico, with interviews with historians and experts. We learn that the game has been played in Florence since the 16th century, and that it was originally played by soldiers as a training exercise. The game was incredibly violent back then, and deaths were not uncommon. In fact, when the Spanish Army invaded Florence in the late 16th century, they put a stop to the game because they found it too brutal.

But the people of Florence loved the game, and they continued to play it secretly until it was officially reinstated in the early 17th century. Since then, it has become a beloved tradition in Florence, with many people considering it a symbol of the city's identity and culture.

The documentary then takes us back to the game, where we see the players in action. The atmosphere is intense, with the players screaming and shouting, and the crowds cheering and jeering. The game is incredibly physical, with players tackling each other to the ground, and punches being thrown left and right. It's clear that this is not a sport for the faint-hearted.

As the game progresses, we start to get a sense of the individual players and their personalities. We meet a young player who is one of the best in his team, but is constantly getting into trouble because of his hot-headedness. We also meet an older player who has played Calcio Storico for over 20 years, and who is considered a legend in the game.

The episode also looks at the impact that Calcio Storico has on the community of Florence. We see how the game brings people together, strengthens community bonds, and helps to maintain a sense of tradition and history. We also meet some of the fans of the game, who talk about their love for Calcio Storico and why it's important to them.

Overall, the first episode of Home Game is an engaging and fascinating look at a sport that is unlike anything else in the world. The high energy, violence, and history of Calcio Storico make for an exciting and interesting viewing experience, and the documentary is able to capture the essence of what makes this sport so special. It's an excellent introduction to the series, and sets the tone for what promises to be a unique and thrilling exploration of different sports around the world.