by InTrieste
The stage is set for an intense week of international youth soccer as Italy’s Under-17 team begins its campaign in the prestigious Città di Trieste tournament. Fresh off their triumph at the European Championship, the Azzurrini are set to face Portugal in their opening match on Tuesday night at Trieste’s Nereo Rocco Stadium. This game will reignite one of the fiercest rivalries in youth soccer, as the two teams square off in a rematch of the recent European final.
The tournament, which runs from September 3 through 9, brings together four powerhouse teams: Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and Portugal. The format features a single group stage, with each team playing three matches over the course of the week. Italy’s debut is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Tuesday, following the tournament’s opening game between Spain and Switzerland at the Monfalcone Municipal Stadium.
In a press conference earlier today, officials from the Friuli Venezia Giulia region underscored the significance of hosting such a high-profile youth tournament. Ermes Canciani, President of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Regional Committee, emphasized the region’s ongoing commitment to sports and youth development.
“This region has invested heavily in the world of sports because we believe in the power of combining sports infrastructure with youth development,” Canciani said. “The renovation of the Nereo Rocco Stadium has been an essential project, and we believe this tournament is an important way to showcase our territory.”
Italy’s head coach, Massimiliano Favo, echoed those sentiments during the event, which also featured player Thomas Campaniello representing the Italian squad. “This tournament is a fantastic opportunity for our young talents to compete at the highest level,” said Favo, who will be looking to build on his team’s success in the European Championship.
A Platform for the Next Generation
The Città di Trieste tournament offers more than just a competitive stage; it serves as a platform for the next generation of soccer stars. Speaking at the event, Friuli Venezia Giulia Governor Massimiliano Fedriga highlighted the larger message behind the tournament.
“Initiatives like these are fundamental, not only for the young athletes but for the values that sport transmits to our communities. Sport is not just about winning or losing, but about building the citizens of tomorrow,” Fedriga said.
In addition to the ongoing tournament, the region will soon host a European Under-21 qualifier between Italy and Ireland, scheduled for October 15 in Trieste.
Key Players to Watch
Italy’s roster for the tournament boasts some of the brightest prospects in European soccer. Players such as goalkeeper Matteo Farronato (Inter Milan), midfielder Christian Comotto (AC Milan), and forward Thomas Campaniello (Empoli) are among the standout names. These young athletes will be tasked with maintaining the Azzurrini’s reputation as one of Europe’s most promising youth teams.
Their campaign begins against a familiar foe in Portugal, whose youth teams have consistently challenged Italy in recent years. The match will be broadcast live on Vivo Azzurro TV, Italy’s official soccer network, at 8 p.m. local time.
Tournament Schedule
The tournament will continue through September 9, with each team playing three games. After Tuesday’s opener, Italy will face Switzerland on Friday, September 6, at 8 p.m. Their final group-stage match is set for Monday, September 9, when they take on Spain at the Nereo Rocco Stadium.
For fans of youth soccer, this week promises to offer a preview of future stars and exciting rivalries in the making.
Roster for Italy’s Under-17 Team
- Goalkeepers: Matteo Farronato (Inter Milan), Sebastiano Nava (Juventus)
- Defenders: Leonardo Noah Bovio (Inter Milan), Samuele Carlaccini (AS Roma), Pantaleo Creti (Monza), Dauda Amihere Iddrisa (West Bromwich Albion), Alessio Insignito (Spezia), Isaac Collins Isoa (Atalanta), Thomas Lissi (Inter Milan), Mattia Marello (Udinese)
- Midfielders: Cristian Acatullo (Sassuolo), Christian Comotto (AC Milan), Vincenzo Damiano (Atalanta), Kevin Vitale Moressa (Inter Milan), Matteo Oliveira Papaccioli (Como), Vincenzo Prisco (Napoli), Federico Steffanoni (Atalanta), Marco Tiozzo Pagio (Juventus)
- Forwards: Danilo Busiello (Empoli), Thomas Campaniello (Empoli), Samuele Inácio (Borussia Dortmund), Simone Lontani (AC Milan)
Interviews: Ermes Canciani, President of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Regional Committee. Massimiliano Fedriga, governor of Friuli Venezia Giulia
