Many goals and laughs later, the sixth edition of Azzurri Partner Cup produced the same winner as the last two years: EY, who beat Volkswagen 2-0 in the final to extend a fine run of form. 

The 7-a-side tournament was contested by corporate partners of the FIGC and the Italy National Teams at the Centro Tecnico Federale at Coverciano. 30 teams (six more than last year) fielded over 500 players and took part in 67 matches, from the group stage to the final, which was refereed by the renowned Daniele Orsato with his signature authority.

Fair play and healthy competition were the headlines of the day. Players, male and female, joined in this exceptional opportunity to play at Coverciano. Some, however, knew the pitches better than others. The competition saw the return of Andrea Barzagli, winner of the 2006 World Cup with Italy and 8-time Scudetto winner with Juventus, who has taken up the role of player-manager at Socios. 

The schedule was densely packed - group stage in the morning, knock-out in the afternoon. The final between EY and Volkswagen started at 16:45 CEST. With a lead secured by Carioti and a brilliant curved ball by Mariella, EY sealed the 2-0 victory. 

Then came the award ceremony with a very special guest: Leonardo Bonucci, ex-Italy player with 121 caps and eight goals, winner of the Euros 2021 and 8 Scuedetti with Juventus. “I am very happy to be here at Coverciano,” he said, “watching so many people play in matches of such high quality. Much better atmosphere than when I used to train with Italy here. The Centro Tecnico Federale will always hold a dear place in my heart; I hope to return here soon.”

The ceremony started with Bonucci presenting Orsato with a No. 291 shirt, the number of games Orsato refereed in Serie A. Then the different prizes were presented: the Fair Play prize went to Prometeon, the Top Scorer award to Pernigotti and Best Goalkeeper award to De Marino, both at Volkswagen.

 

PRIZES

Fair play: Prometeon
Top Scorer: Luca Pernigotti (Volkswagen), 10 goals
Best Goalkeeper: Giacomo De Marino (Volkswagen)
Runner-up: Volkswagen
Winner: EY