Futsal: Nanni in Salaspils in the dual role of Delegate and instructor

It was not only the classic duties of a UEFA Delegate that defined the latest international assignment of Massimo Nanni, appointed to Salaspils, Latvia, for the UEFA Futsal Champions League Preliminary Round held from 21 to 26 August. The host club for Group A was Riga Futsal Club, which progressed to the next stage and this summer signed Ricardinho, a living legend of the game. A three-time Champions League winner (as well as a World Cup and EURO champion), thanks to the six goals he scored in the group matches he overtook André Vanderlei to become the all-time top scorer in the history of Europe’s premier club competition. Prestigious guests and records aside, the start of the tournament in Salaspils – specifically from 21 to 24 August – also coincided with a “Shadow mission” for seven aspiring UEFA Delegates, who closely observed Massimo Nanni as he carried out his duties and listened to his lectures during the workshop that completed their “on-the-job training”. Also present in Salaspils were Vadims Ļašenko, President of the Latvian FA, José Venancio, former head coach of Spain and a leading figure among Europe’s futsal coaches, and the President of Futsal of Uzbekistan, the country that will host the next World Cup. These were key figures with whom Nanni was able to exchange views on the margins of the tournament. Beyond the organisational and regulatory aspects, his work there also saw him involved in supporting and supervising the refereeing team, made up of Martina Piccolo (Italy), Arttu Kyynaeraeinen (Finland), Dražen Vukčević (Montenegro) and Georgios Kozakos (Cyprus).

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