FSGC at the UEFA Football Doctor Education Programme in Rome

The football associations of Italy and San Marino jointly organised, on 5 and 6 May, a medical training course under the aegis of UEFA. As an integral part of the Football Doctor Education Programme, the course held at the CONI Olympic Training Centre at Acqua Acetosa was opened by Professor Andrea Ferretti and Loïc Noirat: the former is Head of the Medical Department of the FIGC, the latter a member of the UEFA Medical Committee. A wide range of topics was covered, starting with the prevention of injuries in football activity: a subject explored in depth by Dr Simone Grana, Head of the Medical Department of the San Marino Football Federation, where he also serves as Vice President. Thanks to the experience of Maurizio Viscidi, Head of the Technical Department of the FIGC, the discussion also focused on the close working relationship between technical and medical staff. There was also an essential update on anti-doping regulations, delivered by Dr Elvira De Blasis, as well as in-depth sessions dedicated to players’ nutrition, fatigue and recovery, presented by Dr Luisa Cravana, nutritionist for Italy Under-21. The main topic of the second day of training was injuries and head traumas, addressed by Professor Anne Nördstrom of the UEFA Medical Committee. Considerable attention was also given to rehabilitation protocols and to preparation tailored to individual matches and tournaments, presented by Professor Matteo Guzzini – doctor of the Italy women’s national team. Psychological aspects applied to football were also examined, both in relation to performance and in the event of injury. It was an intense and well-attended two-day event at Acqua Acetosa, which also saw the participation of doctors from San Marino. In addition to Simone Grana, among the speakers at the third module of the UEFA Football Doctor Education Programme held in Rome, were Elena Zamagni, Roberto Venturini, Federico Gorrieri and Salvatore Monaldini.

---