The team supporting cancer research continues to grow. Ahead of the Azzurri and Under-21s’ November fixtures, the FIGC is renewing its commitment to supporting Fondazione AIRC and the work of more than 5,000 researchers who dedicate themselves every day to developing new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer.

The initiative is part of ‘Un Gol per la Ricerca’, the long-running campaign organised by Fondazione AIRC in collaboration with FIGC, Lega Calcio Serie A, Lega Serie B and AIA, with the support of the sports media. Following the involvement of Serie A and Serie BKT players, the Azzurri and then the Under-21s will take up the baton, spreading the message of cancer research both on and off the pitch.

During the Nations League matches against France in Milan and Belgium in Brussels, head coach Roberto Mancini and the Italy players will encourage fans to join the team supporting cancer research by making a donation to AIRC via the charity number 45521 or through the website airc.it. The Azzurri will then pass the baton to the Under-21s, who will reinforce the message of hope in cancer research and encourage the public to show their support.

The AIRC ambassador team, once again led by Gianluigi Buffon this year, welcomes four new members: Pio Esposito, Laura Giuliani, Manuel Locatelli and Tommaso Pobega. They will join returning ambassador Lorenzo De Silvestri in wearing the AIRC shirt and raising awareness of the importance of cancer prevention and supporting cancer research.

More than 60 years of research supported by AIRC have led to significant breakthroughs. Today, around 50% of people diagnosed with cancer recover, while cancer mortality in Italy has fallen by 9% over the past decade. These figures underscore the need for continued investment in scientific research to develop more precise and targeted treatments, offering renewed hope to patients, particularly those with cancers that do not yet respond to existing therapies. The only way to win the fight against cancer is to work together as one team, united by a common goal: scoring for cancer research.