It was a special day for the Italy team led by Roberto Mancini. After training in Yerevan and before the trip to Finland, the side who had been training on the Armenian Federation’s Academy pitch welcomed a group of disabled children who are taking part in the project promoted by Caritas and Programma Alimentare Mondiale.

The event promoted by the Italian Embassy also saw participation from FIGC President Gabriele Garvina, CEO Marco Brunelli and Ambassador Vincenzo Del Monaco. The visit itself was full of smiles, photos, autographs and hugs as part of the social activities for children in need from the Italian diplomatic mission. “I’m very happy with this away trip and how it was possible to organise such aims important event in the field of social responsibility,” said Gravina. “The children’s enthusiasm is contagious, these are the positive messages that we want to give for our country and we’re ambassadors whenever we play abroad.”