2002–03 Florentia Viola season

Florentia Viola was the newly founded club that replaced bankrupt A.C. Fiorentina in the Italian domestic league system. Playing at Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence, Florentia retained the support Fiorentina had had, and set Serie C2 spectator records due to the interest from fans accustomed to see Gabriel Batistuta, Rui Costa and a team challenging Italy's top clubs.

With Serie B set for an expansion to 24 clubs for 2003-04, owner family Della Valle successfully argued that Florentia should be granted the 24th slot on the basis of 'historical merits'. It was widely seen as the Italian football federation compensated Florentia for being relegated two series instead of the normal one in case of bankruptcy. Florentia also won the rights to use the original Fiorentina name, the club being renamed ACF Fiorentina' prior to the 2003-04 season.