MILAN - In the build-up to Inter v Udinese, the FIGC's Lombardy regional committee awarded 28 clubs - including F.C. Internazionale - the prestigious title of "Elite Football Academy".
"The FA are making significant, concrete steps to improve youth team football," said Nerazzurri academy director Roberto Samaden. "The fact there are 28 clubs shows the impetus behind the movement. The hope is this first step will inspire other clubs.
"Our aim is to develop people and top footballers and, with this in mind, I'd like to thank Giuliano Rusca, head of grassroots, Massimo Giuriola, technical director of Inter Football Schools and Rachele Stucchi, grassroots development operations manager for all their crucial hard work," he concluded.
Inter vice president Javier Zanetti was also in attendance: "It's an honour to be here to represent our club which has always led the way in youth development. It's fantastic to see so many kids here and it reminds me of what it felt like when I first started playing football."
