“We are going there to receive the affection of our compatriots, to whom we owe so much.” This is what Luciano Spalletti said before the team’s departure for the USA, fully aware of the unconditional love that millions of Italians living in the United States feel for the National Team.

Yesterday, with the squad having trained at the Inter Miami Training Complex on the eve of their match against Venezuela, the Azzurri were greeted by a large group of local fans and guests of two of Italy’s partners, adidas and ITA Airways. The meet-and-greet was sponsored by Lions Sport, the agency that is organising the two friendlies on American soil.

In the clubhouse of the training centre, the Azzurri spent a long time with the guests, signing hundreds of autographs, posing for photos and selfies, and taking part in fun games of table tennis and pool with some of the participants. It was a day that will remain etched in the minds of the fans, young and old, who came from all over Florida to meet their heroes. Amauri and Matteo Ferrari, two former Italy players, attended the team’s training session, while Paolo Maldini and Fabio Cannavaro, two other pillars from times gone by, will be in the Chase Stadium stands tonight alongside Jannik Sinner.