The Unity EURO Cup, now in its fourth edition, kicked off on 14 October at the KNVB Campus in Zeist, home of the Dutch national team. Organised by UEFA and the UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency), the tournament brings together refugees and local players to promote inclusion, respect and solidarity through football.

The opening day featured the “Inclusion of Refugees Through Sport” forum, with contributions from UEFA, UNHCR and KNVB representatives, as well as testimonies from players and international ambassadors. The discussions highlighted football’s power as a tool for integration and social cohesion, reflecting both UEFA’s Sustainability Policy 6 – Support to Refugees, and the FIGC’s Sustainability Strategy.

The second day was fully dedicated to the tournament itself, as the KNVB Campus became a stage for sport and friendship. A total of 38 exciting seven-a-side matches were played with enthusiasm and fair play.

Italy finished their campaign among the top eight, showcasing the progress and unity that have long defined the ReTe Refugee Teams initiative of the FIGC’s Youth and School Sector. In the single group stage, the Azzurri produced excellent performances: a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, a 4-0 win over Malta, and a 1-0 victory against Slovenia, earning third place overall among 18 participating nations.

A brilliant run brought the team to the quarter-finals, where they were narrowly defeated by reigning champions Latvia after a tightly contested match. The Italian side – featuring players from Gambia, Cameroon, Colombia, Senegal and Italy – proudly represented the values of inclusion, respect and participation that lie at the heart of the FIGC’s programme dedicated to refugees and local communities.

The tournament concluded with Finland lifting the trophy after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Armenia, securing their second title in four editions and confirming their place among the competition’s historic contenders. Every team honoured the spirit of the UEFA and UNHCR initiative, which for four years has used football as a means of social integration and cultural exchange.

For Italy, who have participated in every edition since 2022, this year’s tournament was another invaluable step in their development: a demonstration of unity, determination, and passion both on and off the pitch. It further underlines the FIGC’s ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive and compassionate society through football. The next edition of the Unity EURO Cup will take place in 2026, hosted by the FIGC Technical Centre in Coverciano, Italy.

 

All photos courtesy of Soccrates Images / UEFA.