Italy

Calcio (Florence)
Calcio originated in Italy circa 16th century. Piazza della Novere in Florence is considered to be the cradle of this fascinating sport. Eventually, the game became known as "giuoco del Calcio fiorentino" or simply, Calcio.
The first official rules of Calcio were published in 1580 AD by Giovanni Bardi. Similarly to Roman Harpastum, it was played in teams of 27 with the feet and hands. Goals were scored by throwing the ball over a designated spot on the perimeter of the field.
Originally, Calcio was only reserved for the rich aristocrats, who played every night between Epiphany and Lent. In the Vatican, Popes Clement VII, Leo IX and Urban VIII were even known to play!Because Calcio originally attracted a sophisticated class of people, it had an impact of international proportions. British schoolmaster Richard Mulcaster mentions an English version of mob football, influenced by Calcio, in his 1561 treatise on the education of the young.