“You best goal was coming here to see us in hospital,” read a banner in blue with lots of Italian flags on it as the children at Bambino Gesù and their families were visited by the full Italy squad along with FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, CEO Marco Brunelli, Head Coach Roberto Mancini, Team Manager Gabriele Oriali and volunteer ambassador Gianluca Vialli. It was an intense and moving afternoon as the team helped spread joy among the large number of kids present.

To mark 150 years of the hospital, the FIGC is working alongside it with a number of initiatives to support the establishment of a Tumour and Transplant Institute.

TODAY’S VISIT

After travelling from Coverciano, the Azzurri at the hospital in the afternoon to follow on from the visit of a group of patients last year to the training ground. 

The squad was split into groups so they could meet the biggest number of young patients as possible as they went around the different departments of the hospital. The team was greeted by the President of the Santa Sede Paediatric Hospital Mariella Enoc.

Before going around the departments, the team received aa football signed by recovered patients and two bibs decorated with designs from the toy library which the side will wear during the warm-up for Italy vs. Greece.

“These are unforgettable experiences, perhaps the nicest thing you can do,” said Mancini. “Of course, it’s an extraordinary day and the happiness of these children who are happy despite everything will stick with me. When you see an ill child, you ask yourself why but this is life unfortunately. They teach us that you must never stop but always keep fighting. These events are necessary for this team because the National Team is the side of every Italian, every sports fan and children above all.”

FIGC President Gabriele Gravina was on the same page as he spoke about the visit. “It helps you to grow and understand our world and how important football can be in bringing a smile at such a difficult time for these youngsters. These magnificent children have given us lots of energy.”

ITALY vs. GREECE ON SATURDAY

During the match, the hospital will be a special guest at the stadium with over 5,000 patients, family members hospital staff and volunteers in attendance to support the side in this important qualifier.

For the match, the FIGC has made 20 VIP passes available on Charity Stars (https://www.charitystars.com/figc).

The winners will be able to go behind the scenes of the Stadio Olimpico on a guided tour that takes in the media areas and the mixed zone. Ahead of kick-off, it will be possible to go in the dressing rooms and tunnel before the tour ends in the hospitality area with a meal at Casa Azzurri.

Funds raised will go to the hospital and the Tumour and Transplant campaign. After, there will be another auction with signed Italy kits and the FIGC will add to the funds raised with its own contribution.

THE ‘OGNI STORIA MERITA UN LIETO FINE’ CAMPAIGN

During the match, it will be possible to text 45535 to donate two Euros or five/ten Euros.

The ‘Ogni storia merita un lieto fine’ has been going for a few months after launch from the musician Lorenzo Jovanotti with the song ‘Oh Vita!’ Alongside advertising campaigns for the Tumour and Transplant unit. The project aims to promote cancer research, transplants and family welcome.

The fundraising campaign will end with the ‘Una serata di stelle per il Bambino Gesù benefit night at the Vatican hosted by Amadeus on 20 November. Various figures from the National Team and football will be there alongside show business stars.

The fundraising campaign will end with the ‘Una serata di stelle per il Bambino Gesù benefit night at the Vatican hosted by Amadeus on 20 November. Various figures from the National Team and football will be there alongside show business stars.