A tradition since 2017, the Azzurri Partner Cup brings together the companies that support the Italian National Football Teams, on the very pitches that the Azzurri and Azzurre train for their international duties. It celebrates FIGC partners in a seven-a-side football competition. It is a fun day of sports that allows those partaking to live the experience of the ‘magical’ atmosphere and tradition of the National Training Centre.

This year, 28 teams will take part in the event (with Came, Di Marco, Panini and TCL making their tournament debuts) compared to just eight participants in 2017. Lete and Tim have never missed a competition since its founding.

The competition format will begin with the group stage, seven groups of four teams, on Saturday, September 20 (first kick off at 10:15 CEST). The knockout stage will follow in the afternoon. The group winners, along with second place, advance to the quarterfinals. During the group stage and quarterfinals (the single-leg fixtures) teams will play one 15-minute half. The semifinals will consist of two 10-minute halves, while the final will be played over two 15-minute halves on the Enzo Bearzot field (16:35 CEST), refereed by Ermanno Feliciani.

Ernst & Young are this year’s favourites, having won the last three editions, with all 13 players chosen from their 18 offices across Italy. But there are some strong contenders in the mix, including Eni, who, after reaching the final in 2023, will be aiming to lift the trophy.  They will complete a final training session the day before the tournament, determined as ever, and always in the spirit of fair play.

Also ready to take to the field are two familiar names for football fans: forwards who have graced the stages of Serie A. Nicola Ventola will lead Frecciarossia, while Panini will count on its ambassador ‘Tir’ Tiribocchi, who may well celebrate a goal with his trademark celebration of mimicking honking a truck horn.

Sara Gama, the legendary Azzurre captain during the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France, will present awards to the winners and the tournament’s top performers.

And so, the seventh edition of the Azzurri Partner Cup kicks off: 28 teams are ready to compete for a place in the record books.

AZZURRI PARTNER CUP, SEVENTH EDITION (2025)

Group A: RE/MAX, Panini, Eni, La Gazzetta dello Sport

Group B: Ita Airways, Socios, Came, Di Marco

Group C: Lete, Volkswagen, Prometeon, Technogym

Group D: Ali Lavoro, Fonzies, TCL, Telepass

Group E: Football University, Team System, Vivaticket, adidas

Group F: Tim, Corriere dello Sport, Trenitalia, Fileni

Group G: Esselunga, Peroni, Kama, Ernst & Young