The Under-18 National Team will be in L'Aquila for two friendlies against France. The two matches will be played on 11 November at 12:30 CET and on 13 November at the Stadio Gran Sasso d'Italia (at 11:00) which, for the first time in its history, will host a representative Italy side at any level. The press conference for the presentation of this event, which is much more than just a sporting event, was held today in the Sala Auditorium "Piervincenzo Gioia" at the Palazzo Silone in L'Aquila. In attendance were, the mayor of Abruzzo's capital, Pierluigi Biondi, the regional councillor for sport, Guido Quintino Liris, the president of the Abruzzo Regional Committee, Concezio Memmo and the coach of the Italian U18 National Team, Daniele Franceschini, accompanied by Filippo Missori, captain of the Italian team.

During the meeting with the press, football was of course discussed but, above all, solidarity. The contest between the two National youth Teams is always exciting and spectacular, but the inspiration for this event stems from a story of solidarity. From an idea conceived by the President of the FIGC, Gabriele Gravina, and the President of the Regional Committee LND Abruzzo, Concezio Memmo, to bring a National youth Team to L'Aquila. The opportunity was created to remember and thank France for their gesture of solidarity that moved the people of L’Aquila. In 2009, when the deadly earthquake struck the capital of Abruzzo, the collapse of Valadier's dome in the Church of Santa Maria del Suffragio became a symbol of the disaster that tragically struck the city and its inhabitants. An international reaction of solidarity was triggered immediately, and the French government helped with the restoration of the church, contributing around 7 million euros to its reconstruction. Today Santa Maria del Suffragio has returned to its former glory and on Friday 12 November at 3.30 p.m., the day after the first friendly match, a delegation of the two National Teams, made up of players and staff, will visit the Church to remember the tragedy, as well as honouring the values of solidarity and gratitude.

 President Gabriele Gravina sought to convey the ability that football itself has to express values: “First and foremost, football is culture and comradery, rivalry and competitiveness come second,” said the FIGC President. “This is perfectly demonstrated by the upcoming games between the Under-18 National Teams of Italy and France, whose meaning goes beyond the boundaries of sport, encompassing fundamental human values. In our time of need, the French government financed the reconstruction of one of the most beautiful monuments and symbolic places of worship in L'Aquila. We now have the chance to show these young French talents what gratitude means, one of the most beautiful and genuine emotions which the people of Abruzzo embody fully.” He continued: “I am also happy because finally the Azzurri return to L'Aquila after several years without a visit. I had made this promise and we have kept it. In the future, we are working on the organisation of other events that will be able to turn the spotlight back on the capital of Abruzzo, a beautiful city but nonetheless one which is still hurting.”

The president of the Regional Committee LND Abruzzo, Concezio Memmo, recalled the steps that led to the organisation of these two friendlies between Italy and France U18s. It came to fruition through the close collaboration with the federal president Gravina and the work that the Committee is carrying out in the region: “We are at the service of Club Italia and we have to thank the Abruzzo administration for recognising the potential of these events, from the sports, promotional and social point of view. We are sure that this is the first of many events, down the line in years to come, we shall see more events take place, relevant not only on a regional scale here in L’Aquila but also on a national scale.”

The Mayor of Abruzzo's capital, Pierluigi Biondi, emotionally recalled France's kind gesture in the wake of the earthquake, then stressed the importance of national sporting events for the good of the region: “The city will always be willing to get involved in initiatives like this. Thank you to the Azzurrini who will make this week one to remember.”

The Regional Councillor for Sport, Guido Quintino Liris: “It is an immense joy to have such important events in our region. All of Abruzzo is ready to host the Azzurrini and pull on the blue shirt, not just now but in the years to come as well. We welcome the French, and we are forever grateful for their help with reconstruction in the aftermath of the earthquake. Best of luck to all the lads who go out there and play.”

Daniele Franceschini, the coach of the Under-18 National Team, will enjoy a return to the region where he played for Castel di Sangro in Serie B (during the 1996/97 season). President of the club, Gabriele Gravina: “We are ready to face a team with enormous potential like France. We’ll do this by embodying the spirit of sacrifice and solidarity out there on the field, taking inspiration from the people of this region, who as we have seen, are capable of giving their all and fighting through tough times. We’ll give it our all out there and we are counting on the support of the people of L'Aquila and Abruzzo, I’m sure there will be a big turnout at the Gran Sasso d'Italia.”

The captain of the Under-18 National Team, Filippo Missori (and Roma full-back), recalled the discomfort of the long break, and his eagerness to return to the field: “We will give it our all because wearing the National Team jersey is the greatest honour. When the coach calls us up, we know that it is always a unique opportunity to develop as players.”

As for the game, it’s bound to be an exciting one, as has always been the case between the two teams and between two of the best football academies in the world. The last time the two met was in February 2020, in France, when Les Bleus came out on top against the Azzurrini (2-1); after that meeting, there was a hiatus on all youth activities due to the pandemic. The overall record between the two National Teams is perfectly balanced: 31 matches, both sides with 11 victories each and 9 draws; 43 goals scored, 44 conceded. For the next two clashes, the Azzurri coach, Daniele Franceschini, has called up 22 players, all born in 2004.

Squad list

Goalkeepers: Davide Mastrantonio (Roma), Simone Scaglia (Juventus).

Defenders: Andrea Bozzolan (AC Milan), Gabriele Cagia (Genoa), Lorenzo Dellavalle (Juventus), Gabriele Indragoli (Empoli), Michael Olabode Kayode (Fiorentina), Filippo Missori (Roma), Iacopo Regonesi (Atalanta), Riccardo Stivanello (Bologna).

Midfielders: Luca D'Andrea (Spal); Giulio Doratiotto (Juventus), Lorenzo Ignacchiti (Empoli), Justin Kumi (Sassuolo), Tommaso Maressa (Juventus), Cher Ndour (Benfica), Riccardo Pagano (Roma), Niccolò Pisilli (Roma).

Strikers: Federico Accornero (Genoa), Antonio Raimondo (Bologna), Leonardo Rossi (Milan), Nicolò Turco (Juventus).

Staff: Coach, Daniele Franceschini; Secretary, Luca Gatto; Assistant Coach, Matteo Barella; Goalkeeping Coach, Fabrizio Capodici; Fitness Coach, Nicolò Varesco; Match Analyst, Andrea Zappavigna; Doctors, Cosma Calderaro and Riccardo Di Niccolo; Physiotherapist, Angelo Cartocci.