The Azzurri colours are coming to Sicily! The FIGC has decided that four important matches will take place in Palermo and Catania, with the aim being to involve as many football-loving Sicilians as possible. Between September and November, they’ll be able to support both male and female Italian teams. This is an acknowledgement of Regione Sicilia’s vision of continuing to promote the values of participation and sharing that epitomised the Women’s National Team during the World Cup in France. Furthermore, this is also a recognition of the hard work put in by Palermo mayor Leoluca Orlando, who doesn’t want to see the cultural and sporting heritage of the city go to waste, and Calcio Catania, a club doing so much to support football activities in Sicily.

“This was a joint decision with mayor Orlando,” said FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, one of the biggest supporters of bringing the National Teams back to Sicily. We’re happy to bring the Azzurri colours to a place that loves football and follows it with heartfelt and extraordinary passion. I expect our teams to be welcomed with open arms.”

 

The first match will be on Friday 6 September at the Stadio Angelo Massimino in Catania, where Paolo Nicolato will make his debut as the Under-21 National Team Head Coach against Moldova in a friendly. The Azzurrini, who begin their EURO 2021 qualifying campaign against Luxembourg on 10 September in Castel di Sangro, are set to play for the first time in the Sicilian city. Meanwhile, Italy Women will take to the pitch in Palermo for the third time after having previously defeated Austria (6-0) in June 1971 and Portugal (3-0) in October 2000: they’re set to face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday 8 October in a EURO 2021 qualifying match.

Furthermore, the Stadio Renzo Barbera will play host to a match involving Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri side on 18 November. On this day, Italy will play their final group game in EURO 2020 qualifying against Armenia. The National Team have a positive record when it comes to games played in Palermo (12 wins, one draw and one defeat) and have won their last six matches there. To finish off, the Under-21s will return to Catania once again to face Armenia on Tuesday 19 November in EURO 2021 qualifying.