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The Nairobian

Italians are in town: Junior Azzuri will play against Kenya Under-20 and Gor Mahia Youth

Football

By -ELIZABETH MBURUGU | Apr 15, 2014

By ELIZABETH MBURUGU

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Sam Nyamweya with Italy’s Under-18 coach Bertotto Valerio (left) and team manager Cassi Franco. The Italians arrived in Nairobi yesterday for a match against Kenya’s Under-18 team tomorrow. [PHOTO: ELVIS OGINA/STANDARD]

Italy Under 18 national football team is in town ahead of their Wednesday 6pm showdown with Kenya Under-20 team at Kasarani Stadium.

The young Italians jetted in the country confident of success as they take on their senior opponents before another mouth-watering clash with Gor Mahia Under-19 at Nyayo Stadium on Friday.

Junior Azzuri head coach Bertotto Valerio told FeverPitch they were happy to be in the country and were looking forward to the task ahead.

“We are happy to be in the country, we look forward to our matches,” he said.

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Valerio also said that although they are friendly matches, they expect more fans to come and support the home side, which will make the match harder for the visitors.

“It is a friendly match but we want to see more Kenyans on match day,” he said.

The Italians will start their tour with a clash against the national junior team on Wednesday evening at the Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani. They are also expected to take on Gor Mahia Under-20 side on Friday.

Great Honour

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) chairman Sam Nyamweya was at hand to welcome the Junior Azzuri. Nyamweya said it was a great honour to have the Italian national team in the country.

“I am humbled to have the team play against our own team. It is the first time in history that this has happened and we hope to have more European countries coming to play here,” he said.

Nyamweya appealed to football fans to turn up in large numbers to support the team, which he said it will help in gauging their ability against the more experienced Azzuri.

“It is a friendly match but I appeal to Kenyans to come and support our boys . Our co-operation with Italy also depends on the success of these two matches. Therfore fans should reciprocate by turning out in large numbers.

Italy Football Federation (FIGC) President Mario Macalli is the head of the deligation to Kenya.

The friendly match will provide a proper test for the national junior team that is preparing for their return leg match against Tanzania on April 24.

Political commentator Tony Gachoka, whose son has made the national team grade termed the arrival of the Italians as ground breaking.

“Football Kenya Fderation is making huge strides, especially by extending their co-operation with a European country.

“We should all support this association to enable us move forward,” Gachoka told FeverPitch.

Kenya are preparing for the return leg of the Africa Youth Championship against Tanzania and this encounter will give coach John Kamau a chance to gauge his team since they were held 0-0 at Machoka on April 6.