Nothing but the sea. Having returned to Italy on Thursday after the triumph in Cyprus, eight of the Under 17 European champions took part in Roma-Milan, the quarter-final first leg of the draw that awards the category championship (final on 21 June at the Del Duca in Ascoli). Nardin, Cama, Coletta and Di Nunzio among the Giallorossi – reigning champions – coached by Gianluca Falsini. On the other hand, in Giovanni Renna’s Milan who finished first in the standings in group B, the big names Camarda and Liberali, together with Sala and the goalkeeper Longoni (back on the pitch after the injury which made him leave the team early ‘European). Three of these eight – Cama, Liberali and Camarda, obviously – are in the ideal European team chosen by UEFA. And so, as companions in blue, they find themselves adversaries on the morning in Trigoria. In which, however, only Roma are smiling, capable of securing qualification – the return leg is on 13 June – with a resounding 5-1.
the match
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Francesco Camarda’s first celebration after signing his professional contract remains on record, a penalty converted to make it 4-0 (87′) after his header had been disallowed for offside. But it is the Giallorossi who take the stage, ferocious in attacking the match already in the first minutes: Roma in fact fly to 3-0 in the 20th minute, with Belmonte and a brace from chosen raider Federico Coletta, who in the national team we have appreciated since midfielder but at the club he plays closer to goal in the 4-3-2-1. Giallorossi poker just before the break with center forward Sugamele, who also scored a brace by scoring the fifth goal on the final credits (95′). Milan will try to get back on track in the return match, but we will think about it starting tomorrow. The evening of the eight European champions will in fact be tinged with blue, as they all leave together in Rome towards Empoli to join the rest of Massimiliano Favo’s group. The Italians will walk the catwalk of honor before Italy-Bosnia and then receive the applause of the 11,000 fans at Castellani during the tour of the pitch at half-time, when the giant screen will project the images of their triumph. The party will be at home for Thomas Campaniello, Giovanni Lauricella and Andrea Orlandi, members of Empoli and the pride of president Corsi’s club.
