A humanitarian and peace mission organised by the Friars Minor Conventual of the Auxilium Cooperative, the Community of Sant'Egidio and the FIGC will start on Monday, 27 March, to bring aid and solidarity to the war-stricken Ukrainian population. The initiative was presented at the Ministry of International Cooperation and Foreign Affairs in the presence of Minister Antonio Tajani, Federal President Gabriele Gravina - joining in from Malta -, Franciscan Father Enzo Fortunato, the founder of the Auxilium Cooperative, Angelo Chiorazzo, the president of the Community of Sant'Egidio, Marco Impagliazzo, and Lawyer Giancarlo Viglione representing the FIGC. The humanitarian mission will leave Rome for Lviv to meet Ukrainian orphaned families and children, civil and religious authorities, but above all to distribute the aid donated by ordinary citizens and partners involved.

"Football is an instrument of peace and solidarity," said President Gabriele Gravina, "and that is why the Federation will play its part in the humanitarian mission in Ukraine instigated by valuable organisations and people, led by the tireless Father Enzo, who have made hope and help for suffering people their priority. We are contributing by sending a large quantity of sports equipment to civilians, and we confirm as of now our availability to Minister Tajani to support initiatives of this importance in the future as well. Italy is a country of great humanity and football is part of this extraordinary community". On Monday, 27 March at the 'Oreste Granillo' stadium, there will also be a friendly match between the National Under-21 team and Ukraine: the Ukrainian delegation will be guests of the FIGC.