Michelangelo Pistoletto installs permanent sculpture at Italy's national football center in Coverciano

Michelangelo Pistoletto, days before his 90th birthday on June 25, 2023, inaugurated a permanent installation titled "Il Calcio nella Formula della Creazione" at the Centro Tecnico Federale in Coverciano, Florence. The work features one hundred marble spheres arranged in the three circles of his Symbol of Creation, placed on the entrance lawn. The project, named "Arte e Calcio: contaminiAMOci," is a two-year initiative developed with Zerynthia – Associazione per l'Arte Contemporanea OdV, aiming to merge contemporary art and football. It includes an educational program coordinated by Cittadellarte-Fondazione Pistoletto, opening the center to schools, universities, and football academies starting summer 2023. A selection of Pistoletto's works will also be on display inside the site, including the Museo del Calcio, until December 2023. The installation uses marbles from around the world to symbolize football's internationality. FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, coach Roberto Mancini, Florence Mayor Dario Nardella, and Pistoletto himself attended the launch. Pistoletto recalled his 1984 exhibition at Forte di Belvedere and his sculpture "Dietro front" at Porta Romana. The center is set for a €15 million renovation approved by Florence's city council, designed by the FLR21 network, which previously collaborated with Kengo Kuma on the failed Stadio Franchi competition. The next artist for the initiative remains undisclosed.