The FIGC and President Gabriele Gravina express their condolences to the family of Vincenzo Marinelli on his passing. The historic figure of the Italy U21s management has passed away at the age of 88. Born in September 1936 in Carpineto della Nora (PE), the entrepreneur and football lover was firstly Vice President and then President of Pescara Calcio, taking the Abruzzo side from Serie C to Serie A.

After taking of the role of an advisor the the Lega and Vice President of the L.N.P from 1986 to 1990, in the early nineties he began his long career as part of the Italy Under-21s staff. For over 30 years, he was the Head of the Delegation and Accompanying Director. He was a part of all five Euros won by the Azzurrini and four Olympics, including when Italy won a bronze medal in 2004 in Athens.

Gravina: “With Vincenzo’s passing, I lose a friend and brother. He had a love for life and a great passion for football. I shared many brilliant years of the U21s with him as he became a cornerstone off the pitch and was able to admire his consideration for young people, the talents of the future. He was more of a father figure for them rather than a manager, setting himself apart with his great generosity. I’d like to remember him with the smile on his face that day that we won the Olympic medal in Athens in 2004, it’s a feeling that will tie us together forever”.