The Lazio region’s Under-15 representative team is continuing its preparations for the upcoming Tournament of the Regions in Puglia, following a recent friendly match against Molise. The team, comprised of players born in 2011, will reconvene on for another friendly, this time against the Under-16 squad of Ostiamare.
The match is scheduled to begin at approximately 2:30 PM local time at the Anco Marzio sports field, following a team meeting at 1:45 PM. This provides a valuable opportunity for coach Walter Lanni to assess his squad ahead of the regional tournament.
Coach Lanni Emphasizes Continuity
Coach Lanni is opting for a strategy of continuity, largely maintaining the lineup that secured a victory over Molise. The team’s performance in that match was deemed strong, and Lanni intends to build upon that foundation. The only significant addition to the squad is Alamako Traore of Spes Mundial, a prolific goalscorer who has netted an impressive 31 goals in 18 matches this season.
Traore was previously invited to a training camp at the Giorgio Castelli field in late January, where he reportedly made a positive impression, scoring twice. His inclusion adds another attacking threat to the team.
The Tournament of the Regions in Puglia is a significant event for young footballers in Italy, providing a platform to showcase their talents and compete against the best players from other regions. The upcoming match against Ostiamare’s Under-16 team will serve as a crucial test for the Lazio Under-15s as they fine-tune their preparations.
The full squad list for the match against Ostiamare is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Gabriele Cursi (Savio), Emanuele Sanna (Lodigiani)
Defenders: Cristian Ruspandini (Accademia Frosinone), Gabriele Tirotta (Ostiamare), Flavio Maltese (Romulea), Edoardo Carboni (Savio), Edoardo Tiseo (Urbetevere), Mathias Palumbo (Tor Tre Teste)
Midfielders: Nicolas Lezzerini (Grifone), Mauro Abbondanza (Lodigiani), Flavio Occulto (Ostiamare), Gabriele De Paolis (Red Tigers), Leonardo Bottan (Real Latina), Simone Stefan Cinciu (Trastevere), Zakaria Toure (Vigor Perconti)
Forwards: Mattia Petraccone (Accademia Frosinone), Patrizio Celi (Grifone), Daniele Nobile (Romulea), Alessandro Coccia (Tor Tre Teste), Alamako Traore (Spes Mundial)
The selection of Traore highlights a focus on identifying and integrating promising young talent from regional leagues. The article references a parallel to Elena Talento, suggesting a commitment to scouting and developing players within the Lazio region.
This friendly match represents a key step in the Lazio Under-15 team’s journey towards the Tournament of the Regions. Coach Lanni’s emphasis on continuity, combined with the addition of a dynamic goalscorer like Alamako Traore, suggests a confident and focused approach to the upcoming competition. The match against Ostiamare will provide a valuable opportunity to assess the team’s progress and refine their tactics before the tournament begins.
The broader context of youth football development in Italy is one of increasing investment and attention. Regional tournaments like the Tournament of the Regions play a vital role in identifying and nurturing young talent, providing a pathway for players to progress through the ranks and potentially reach the professional level. The Lazio Under-15 team’s preparations reflect this trend, with a clear focus on developing a cohesive and competitive squad.
The inclusion of players from various regional clubs – Savio, Lodigiani, Accademia Frosinone, Ostiamare, Romulea, Urbetevere, Tor Tre Teste, Grifone, Red Tigers, Real Latina, Trastevere, Vigor Perconti, and Spes Mundial – demonstrates a commitment to drawing talent from across the Lazio region. This broad representation underscores the importance of regional development programs in fostering a diverse and competitive pool of young players.
