Under-21: on the eve of the eagerly awaited clash with Italy; Cecchetti: "The boys are hugely fired up"

San Marino and Italy had not met in Under-21 European qualifying for 34 years, namely since 29 November 1989, when the Azzurri hosted the return leg in Ravenna. Earlier that year, on 4 October, it was San Marino who had played host in Serravalle. Both matches ended 2-0 in favour of the side then coached by Cesare Maldini. Tomorrow the Azzurrini and the Biancoazzurrini will face each other again at the San Marino Stadium, with the match counting towards qualification for Euro 2025. It is a fixture of undeniable appeal and, in a way, one that has been keenly anticipated ever since the draw was made. "It will be a great thrill to play this ‘derby’, if we can call it that. – said Simone Giocondi – Italy have players we know very well. We are used to seeing many of them on television at the weekend during Serie A matches. We will, of course, give everything to try and put a spoke in Italy’s wheel, fully aware of their strength. My training camp with the senior National Team? It was an experience that gave me a huge boost. I hope in future to be part of it on a regular basis. Clearly, it is the goal of all of us in the Under-21s to make it to the ‘senior’ competitions." "We were hoping to meet Italy when the draw was made. – admits head coach Matteo Cecchetti – That’s how it turned out and we are delighted. It’s a match against a prestigious National Team and it will be exciting and hugely motivating to face them. The boys are focused and absolutely determined: everyone wants to showcase themselves and make my selection choices difficult. I hope that people will really get behind this match, that many will come to cheer and support our boys, because they need it. It will be a wonderful spectacle and I hope the crowd can give us great strength from the stands." The squad also includes Zavoli and Tommaso Benvenuti, both receiving their first call-up. The latter is the youngest of the players who will be available to Cecchetti tomorrow. "We decided to call up Tommaso Benvenuti – explains the head coach – because he is gaining valuable experience in Serie D, playing regularly. I think he’s the kind of player who is ready to step onto this stage, despite being born in 2006." The match will be played at the San Marino Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 18:30. The game will be preceded by a flag-wavers’ show jointly organised by Italy and San Marino, namely by the Federazione Balestrieri Sammarinesi together with the group of flag-wavers and musicians of the Palio del Niballo di Faenza. There will also be the debut of the "Titanico739": for the first time, the FSGC ball produced by Park will be used in an official National Team match. The clash will be available live on the Titani.TV platform from 18:15, the time at which the flag-wavers’ show will begin. Please note that via Rancaglia will be one-way from 15:00 to 24:00 on Thursday 16, in the direction via Ponte Mellini–Strada La Ciarulla. Returning from suspension is Matteoni, while Toccaceli and Santi are back from injury. Below is the full list of players called up by Matteo Cecchetti:

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