MFA U-14 squad for Italy tournament

The Malta FA Youth Academy squad are gearing up for their participation in an international tournament, to be played in Italy from May 31-June 3.

The Torneo Città di Cairo Montenotte, now in its 22nd edition, enjoys the backing of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), and the Council of Cairo Montenotte.

The tournament will be contested by 32 teams featuring players aged 13 to 14.

The MFA Youth Academy squad, headed by Sergio Soldano, will comprise 21 players (born 1998).

Nine countries will be represented at the tournament, namely hosts Italy, Malta, the Czech Republic, Ghana, Hungary, England (who will be represented by Man. City), Switzerland, Japan and Russia.

The U-14 teams of Juventus, Milan, Inter, Genoa, Sampdoria and Napoli are also taking part.

“The Italy tournament will present an interesting challenge for our youngsters who will have the opportunity to test themselves against their international peers in an enjoyable atmosphere,” the MFA said in a statement.

There will be eight groups of four teams in the first round-robin phase.

The top two teams in each group qualify for the knock-out stages leading to the final.

Classification matches will be played to determine the final placings of the teams.