American tourist seriously injured in violent robbery in Florence city centre

A young American tourist was seriously injured during a violent robbery in central Florence in the early hours of 20 March, in an incident that has raised further concerns about safety in the historic centre.

The 21-year-old man was found around 2:20 a.m. in Via della Spada, a narrow street a short walk from Piazza Santa Maria Novella, after a passer-by alerted emergency services. He was reportedly disoriented and bleeding heavily from the head when he was discovered.

He was taken by ambulance to Santa Maria Nuova hospital, where doctors identified a severe and fragmented skull fracture. After being stabilised, he was transferred later on Friday to the neurosurgery department at Careggi hospital, where he is expected to undergo surgery.

Robbery and assault

According to initial information provided to police, the victim said he had been approached by two individuals who demanded his wallet and mobile phone.

Investigators are still reconstructing the exact sequence of events. The young man reportedly told medical staff that he tried to chase the attackers, at which point he was first sprayed in the eyes with an irritant substance and then struck on the head with a blunt object.

Police are now reviewing CCTV footage from the area in an effort to identify those responsible.

Pattern of similar incidents

The assault comes amid growing concern about robberies and violent incidents involving tourists in Florence’s historic centre.

In recent days, officers from the police mobile unit identified a suspect linked to a previous robbery in Borgo Pinti, where a French tourist was targeted for a high-value luxury watch. The suspect, already known to law enforcement, was arrested and taken to Sollicciano prison.

Authorities say that case, like others, was solved thanks to surveillance cameras, which are now a key tool in ongoing investigations across the city centre.

Pressure on emergency services

The night of the attack also placed significant pressure on emergency services. Staff at Santa Maria Nuova’s emergency department reportedly dealt with a high number of patients injured in fights and assaults across central Florence, in addition to the severely injured American tourist.

While the full circumstances of the latest attack remain under investigation, the case highlights ongoing concerns about nighttime safety in areas heavily frequented by visitors, particularly in streets with limited visibility and high foot traffic after dark.

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