New Delhi, Dec 14 (NationPress) Italian Ambassador Antonio Bartoli perceives sports as a significant instrument for nurturing international camaraderie. Bartoli is convinced that grassroots initiatives could spark a fresh generation of football talent while reinforcing cultural connections. In an exclusive discussion with IANS, Bartoli emphasized Italy's plans, led by former World Cup champions, to roll out football coaching programs aimed at underprivileged youths in India, acknowledging the vast number of football enthusiasts in the nation.

“Absolutely! I genuinely believe in sports diplomacy because our mission is to build bridges, and sports serve as a remarkable catalyst for friendship. Sadly, our sporting interests differ, as cricket does not enjoy the same popularity in Italy. However, considering that India is a vast continent, there are numerous football fans, and that is what we are focusing on.

“The concept we are working on involves having coaches for youth teams. For instance, we are aiming to collaborate with Italian clubs to send their coaches to train children, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, during summer camps, culminating in a tournament. This would provide a fantastic experience for these youngsters and could potentially unveil new talents. Notable Italian players, especially Alessandro Del Piero, have previously played in India, and we can invite them as guests to inaugurate this project,” Antonio stated in an exclusive interview with IANS.

The two nations have met on the pitch only once, where India suffered a 0-1 defeat to Italy-B during the 1982 Nehru Cup Group Stage. Despite a limited presence of Italian players in the Indian Super League, which includes only three—Alessandro Del Piero, Marco Materazzi, and Alessandro Nesta—these football legends, all part of the 2006 FIFA World Cup-winning team, have significantly contributed to the league.

Recently, football clubs worldwide have acknowledged the immense potential of the Indian market due to its large population and fervent football following. La Liga teams like Sevilla are collaborating with I-League 2 club FC Bengaluru United, while Atletico Madrid has partnered with ISL team Atletico De Kolkata (now known as Mohun Bagan Super Giant) and has also teamed up with I-League side Inter Kashi.

In addition to the strong Spanish influence, English football has played a role in shaping Indian football through various initiatives. Manchester City has made multiple visits to India for trophy tours, while Manchester United launched the United We Play initiative aimed at grassroots development. The Premier League Next Gen Cup 2024 marked a historic moment as Punjab FC became the first Indian team to defeat Premier League youth teams, achieving victories against both Everton and Aston Villa’s youth squads.