This morning, Wednesday 21 May, the first press conference of the 33rd edition of the Scopigno Cup was held in the conference room of the Varrone Foundation, with which President Fabrizio Formichetti intended to introduce the many sporting and social initiatives that will characterise the 2025 edition.

It is impossible not to start with the heartfelt and shared memory of Nicholas Graziani, the tournament’s mascot, who passed away prematurely at just 18 years old on 3 January.

In fact, the Scopigno’ Cup wanted to dedicate a special and shared thought to him, linking the prize that will go to the best young promise of the tournament to his name.

THE INITIATIVES

There are many new features that will also involve the Scopigno Cup this year (19-22 August), which will be played in six different venues: Rieti, Cittareale, Amatrice, Poggio Bustone, Naples and Rome. The most evocative is the first time for a Japanese team, Vegalta.

Sendai, with which the Municipality of Amatrice will establish a ‘Friendship Pact’ given the similarities between the Amatrice town and the city of Sendai, the latter razed to the ground in 2011 by a strong earthquake.

The highest local authorities were present, from the Sports Councilors of the Municipality and Province, Chiara Mestichelli and Maurizio Ramacogi, to the prefect Pinuccia Niglio, with Luigi Manzara vice president of the Varrone Foundation doing the honors and the students of Jucci and Elena Principessa di Napoli spectators interested in the school-work alternation that will see them protagonists from 19 to 22 August on the ‘field’.

The president of the Scopigno Cup, Fabrizio Formichetti, opened the press conference and gave an overview of the initiatives: “First of all, I am pleased to announce the return of the Scopigno Cup to Amatrice, where some matches will be held, including those of Vegaltas Sendai, a team representing the city of the same name that was razed to the ground by a strong earthquake in 2011. A ‘Friendship Pact’ will be signed with Amatrice, with the presence of the Japanese ambassador to Italy. There will be 12 participating teams: Vegaltas Sendai, Midtjylland, Juventus, Atalanta, Napoli, Lazio, Fiorentina, Juve Stabia, Ternana, Benevento, Roma and Rieti. On August 20, all the participating teams will be received in audience in St. Peter’s Square by the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. We have involved Jucci and Elena Principessa di Napoli in the school-work alternation project, who will be protagonists of various initiatives, including the presence of the Special Olympics involved in both a fashion show and a women’s quadrangular. Last but not least, the International Art and Painting exhibition that this year will have an appendix in Piazza Venezia. Confirmed tourist visits to the most suggestive places of Rieti, Naples and Rome. It should be noted that, for the 7th year in a row, the European Parliament has issued the Scopigno Cup, the certificate of High Patronage”.

Then it was the turn of the Godmother and Artistic Director Souhaila Mia who stated – From this year, together with the President, it was decided to also include the Fashion sector in the event, with a fashion show, which will see the girls of the Supariotre EPN institute of Rieti and the Special Olympics girls as protagonists, a way to bring young people closer to the world of fashion, which represents a real jewel in the crown for Italy.

Then it was the turn of Dr. Pinuccia Niglio, Prefect of Rieti: “The appeal of the event is already demonstrated by the number of editions reached, that is 33. Let us remember the values ​​of inclusion and the strictly sporting values ​​that this International Tournament brings with it. A thought for Nicholas Graziani, a figure who will remain in the memory of our young people and the city. These will be the fourth days that will put Rieti at the center of attention and as a representative of local public safety I always recommend that everything takes place without any criticality”.

Moments of emotion when Nicholas Graziani’s mother and aunt, Federica Marchili and Sonia Graziani, took the floor: “Fabrizio gave Nicholas everything he dreamed of, several times in Milan at the Inter sports center, the most beautiful dreams were those and Fabrizio succeeded”.

Giorgio Cortellesi, Mayor of Amatrice and

Chiara Mestichelli, Councilor for Sport of the Municipality of Rieti in unison: “The Scopigno Cup is a sporting event with a profound meaning because it is an important showcase for young talents. The tourist relevance that is linked to it is also undeniable and the inclusive part is the one that strikes the most because today, inclusion without placing too much emphasis on diversity becomes the big step towards a more open and more contemporary future mentality”.

Nobuyuli Hayashi representing Vegaltas Sendai who for the first time will bring Japanese football to the Scopigno Cup. “Thanks to the patron for giving us this opportunity and for this ‘”Friendship Pact” with Amatrice very significant”.

Maurizio Ramacogi, Councilor for Sport of the Province of Rieti: “Sport and social are perfectly synthesized in the Scopigno Cup, because today more and more of our young people tend to take more impervious paths. This should be an event supported by everyone and it is unfortunate when disputes arise, but it is precisely with the strength and will of each of us that these events can emerge to raise the name of Rieti”.

Luigi Manzara, Vice President of the Varrone Foundation: “One of the most important events in our territory. In those days the city is transformed and the Foundation is happy about this because when movement is created, it automatically generates an economic spin-off and a general interest”.

Emanuela Perilli, member of the CONI Lazio Board representing FISSW: “I want to congratulate Fabrizio Formichetti for having reached 33 editions of a transversal, inclusive and participatory event. Those who are involved in sport have a great mission because they touch and transmit fundamental values, equally to those who practice it”.

Next appointment with the Scopigno Cup, on July 15 with the official presentation of the sporting event in Rome at the European Parliament.