It was an experience that will live long in the memory for the families; an afternoon spent in Coverciano, watching the Azzurri go about their business and finding out how they prepare for a Euros game. Around 40 people, children and their families, entered Coverciano on Monday to watch Italy training. The families were those that are part of the Tommasino Bacciotti Foundation, that has, since 2000, tried to support families whose children have undergone cancer treatment at the Meyer Paediatric Hospital in Florence.

“I want to thank President Gravina - commented Paolo Bacciotti, President of the Foundation - for this amazing opportunity: he understood our reality and was touched by it: that is where the possibility to give the children such a special day was born. The Foundation is named after my son, who passed away aged two from a brain tumour. For over 20 years we have been supporting families with children sick from cancer, giving them free accommodation for the duration of their recovery as well as other aid and entertainment, to make the worst period of their lives as positive as possible.”

The families got to visit the Italy side’s Euros base, seeing the atmosphere on and off the field at Coverciano as Mancini’s team prepares for another UEFA Euro 2020 game: “When you mention Coverciano - concluded Paolo Bacciotti - I always get goosebumps.” A special place, that on this occasion had some extremely special visiting fans.