3 March 2008

Juventus Under-15s triumph

On a rather unsuccessful Sunday for Juventus' teams, it was up to the Under-15s to save the Club's prestige. Indeed the team managed by Domenico Maggiora won the Manchester United Premier Cup, one of the most important international youth tournaments. The Bianconeri won the Italian leg, played over the weekend in Città Sant’Angelo, near Pescara, in the Abruzzo region.

The triumph already began on Saturday, when our boys won their group by beating both fellow Turin team Chisola and reigning champions Roma with the same score (2-0). But the real masterpiece came in Sunday morning's semi-final against Bari. Juventus went 2-0 down but managed to equalize in the last five minutes and then won on penalties. The final against Chievo was marred by playing four games in 24 hours and the final result was 0-0. Once again penalties proved decisive to win the title.

After this win, confirming the exceptional season the U-15s are having (they're first and unbeaten in the League, and had a starring role in various tournaments, especially the one dedicated to Alessio Ferramosca and Riccardo Neri), Juventus will be representing Italy in the finals, to be played in Manchester between the end of July and the beginning of August. A great way to have a go against some of the most important youth teams in the world.

Naturally Manager Domenico Maggiora was very pleased. «It was a great run, regardless of the final result. I'd define it as a victory of character and determination, the lads never gave up, especially in the semi-final against Bari, they believed they could get a draw until the end, even when the match seemed over. In the final it wasn't easy to do more, we were all tired, both us and Chievo, and we were just a little more clear-headed when it came down to penalties. The finals in Manchester? For once we'll gladly do without our holidays, so that we can prepare for this event».

Maggiora is pleased, and so is Ciro Ferrara, obviously. The man in charge of Juventus’ whole Youth sector took the chance to compliment the boys: «We're all proud about this win, in such a prestigious and difficult tournament, as you have to play four games in two days. This is one of our best young teams and we're expecting great things from them in the next few years. I'm happy about the win but most of all about the boys’ behaviour, both on and off the pitch».

 

 

Atalanta	Palermo	1 - 2
Bari	Fiorentina	2 - 0
Cagliari	Bologna	1 - 1
Catania	Genoa	1 - 0
Chievo	Roma	0 - 2
Lazio	Udinese	3 - 1
Milan	Juventus	3 - 0
Parma	Livorno	4 - 1
Sampdoria	Napoli	1 - 0
Siena	Inter	0 - 1