The relationship between art and football has accompanied the evolution of Coverciano since the Federal Training Centre was opened in 1958. There is the frieze by one of the fathers of classic Florentine abstract art, Gualtiero Nativi, which originally adorned the café and can now be found in the corridor that leads to the auditorium. Michelangelo Pistoletto’s installations as well, which have embellished the Training Centre since June have been joined by a new work of art which further characterises the relationship between football and art, colouring Coverciano: it’s a mural painted by street artist, Maupal, finished this morning at the entrance to the Azzurri changing room. The art depicts the National Team players, united and proud, singing the national anthem. 

“It’s a magical moment,” explained Maupal, “in which all of Italy unites: it is in that climax of the anthem, before every match, sung by the Azzurri in which they express their togetherness, strength and passion. To be able to paint the players, staff and coach standing side by side in the Coverciano Sporting Centre is an inexplicable feeling, it’s exciting… it’s truly an honour for me.” 

The design of the mural was chosen via a poll on the platform socios.com by token holders who could choose between two designs from the same artist. 

Maupal - born Mauro Pallotta in 1972 - was included in the New York tabloid ‘Artnet’ as the twenty-first most influential street artist in the world.