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Ahead of Italy vs. France, the final home match of the UEFA Nations League group stage, scheduled for Thursday 12 November (20:45 CET) at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, FIGC reaffirms its commitment to integrating social and environmental sustainability into the organisation of sporting events. This continues the work launched in October 2024 with the Social and Environmental Sustainability Match Framework, implemented at Italy's senior national team home matches through initiatives focused on accessibility, inclusion, and reducing environmental impact. The match against Les Bleus in Milan will feature new opportunities for people with disabilities to participate, activities involving younger generations, and further measures to promote more responsible event organisation.
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
QUIET ROOMS. Two Quiet Rooms will be available for the match, providing dedicated spaces for players with cognitive, psychological, and sensory disabilities from FIGC's Paralympic Football Division. These rooms will offer a safe, welcoming environment, allowing them to enjoy the match and helping make the stadium experience more inclusive and accessible.
ACCESSIBILITY FOR FANS WITH DISABILITIES. FIGC is encouraging attendance at the match through a dedicated accreditation system, allowing 100 fans with disabilities and their accompanying guests to watch the game from reserved seating areas inside the stadium. The initiative forms part of the Federation's wider commitment to improving accessibility at its matches, ensuring all fans have the opportunity to attend and enjoy an increasingly inclusive matchday experience.
AUDIO DESCRIPTION FOR BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED FANS. Audio description services will also be available at the Meazza, allowing blind and visually impaired fans to follow the match live from the stadium using their smartphones. Around 30 fans will benefit from the service at the stadium, with the support of Daniele Cassioli (Real Eyes Sport) and the Istituto dei Ciechi di Milano. The service will also be available remotely, enabling around 500 fans to enjoy the match from home with audio commentary accessible via smartphone and a dedicated app.
To access the service, fans must download the Connect Me Too app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and register by entering their first name, last name, and a valid email address. An activation code will then be sent by email. Once the code has been entered, users can select the sport, league/federation and the UEFA Nations League 2026 Italy vs. France match. To access the audio description service, users must then enter the unique OTP code (71060). For assistance, please contact info@connectmetoo.it.
PLAYER MASCOTS. Children from the Ospedale dei Bambini ‘Vittore Buzzi’ in Milan will take centre stage before kick-off, accompanying the players from both national teams onto the pitch. The initiative will give the young participants the chance to enjoy a special pre-match experience up close, highlighting football's ability to bring people together and encourage participation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
SUSTAINABLE CATERING. In line with the Guidelines for Healthy and Sustainable Catering published by UEFA and shared by FIGC, sustainable catering measures will be extended to all Hospitality Areas. Measures will focus on encouraging more thoughtful food and drink choices, promoting healthier food preparation methods and providing clear information to consumers. Priority will also be given to reducing single-use plastic, sourcing organic and locally produced ingredients, and offering menus that cater to a range of dietary requirements, encouraging more sustainable food choices.
SURPLUS FOOD RECOVERY. For the first time at an Italy national team match, surplus food will be collected from all Hospitality Areas throughout the stadium. Food suitable for redistribution will be collected and distributed to vulnerable people in collaboration with Ass.ne Banco Alimentare della Lombardia ‘Danilo Fossati’ ODV, helping to reduce food waste and encourage more responsible use of resources.