Manchester City emerged victorious in the final round against Juventus and Milan, while the Chinese Football Boy claimed the Europe Cup. These were the final verdicts of the eleventh edition of the International Under 10 Soccer Tournament Città di Bardolino – Memorial G. Chincherini, held on Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5, 2024. A tournament that once again confirmed its status as one of the most important in Europe and beyond, as teams from four continents participated: a true youth Champions League that year after year is turning into a small Club World Cup. A definition that fits the tournament not only for the names of the participating teams but also for the exceptional technical level displayed on the field.
Regarding the Champions Cup, which involves the best-ranked teams from the initial qualifying rounds, Manchester City emerged as the winner. The English team, after a slow start on Saturday – a day on which Dennis Wise, a historic player of Chelsea and the current CEO of Como, was also in the audience – and finishing fourth in the qualifying round, dominated Sunday’s matches by winning all games. First, they faced a tough group including Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, and Atalanta, and then in the final round against Milan (defeated 2-1) and Juventus (1-0), earning the applause of the numerous audience present and rendering the draw between the Rossoneri and the Bianconeri inconsequential.
In the Europe Cup, it was instead the Chinese Football Boy academy team that prevailed, conquering the final round played against Liverpool (2-0) and Borussia Monchengladbach (0-0). A somewhat surprising victory, yet not entirely unexpected, as the Chinese team displayed great defensive solidity and competitiveness.
In addition to the winning teams, other formations and several players who distinguished themselves during the tournament were also awarded. Here are the awards presented:
Players:
Best player: Campus Elia Gavino (Milan)
Best attacker: Dayce Heider (Ajax)
Best defender/midfielder: Rafael Paparella (Inter)
Best goalkeeper: Mario Madruga (Atletico Madrid)
Only female player of the tournament: Armani Abdelrehim (Futboltec Australia)
Youngest player of the tournament: Heath Locker (Manchester City)
Teams:
Best gameplay: Dynamo Kiev
Fair Play Award: Liverpool
A plaque was also given to the referees who officiated all the matches.
