The Viareggio Tournament was founded in 1947 as Italy looked to leave the Second World War behind by focusing on the new, untainted generations playing the country’s national sport. Since then it has developed into a historical tradition that now places it at the forefront of youth football across the globe. First transmitted on RAI, the Italian state broadcaster, as long ago as 1954 it has an audience befitting such a prestigious event. Those watching this Under-20 competition have been treated to what has often been the first glimpse of players who have gone on to become giants of the game, from Fulvio Bernardini and Sergio Cervato in those early days, through to modern stars such as Alessandro Del Piero and Francesco Totti.
2012 sees the sixty-fourth edition of the Cup and will be host to 48 teams as it finds itself increasingly on the agenda of the world’s biggest clubs. The 2011 winners Inter will face tough opposition, not least from the strongest Italian youth teams of Fiorentina, Roma and Juventus. This blog will look at the tournaments history, its protagonists and winners in the run up to the opening game on February 6 before covering the players, teams and matches of this year’s edition. Always entertaining and with the opportunity to see a breakout star, The Viareggio Cup is not to be missed.