Wednesday’s press conference marked the start of the Superfinal and Promotion Final in Catania.
As the Euro Beach Soccer League begins to draw to a close in Catania, the pre-tournament press conference was awash with excitement at the DomusBet Arena.
The Superfinal and Promotion Finals both get under way in the Sicilian city on Thursday, with the final outcome of the Euro Beach Soccer League to be decided over the course of the following four days.
Both the overall winners and the team promoted to the top tier for next season will be confirmed on Sunday in a venue synonymous with top-level beach soccer.
Catania not only hosted the Euro Winners Cup in May of this year but also the latter stages of the Italian domestic season with Nando Arcopinto – FIGC head of beach soccer – commenting: “It is very important for Italy and the FIGC to be given the responsibility of hosting the major international beach soccer events in the world, such as this Euro Beach Soccer League Superfinal.”
“It is a reward to our belief, trust in the sport and enthusiasm”, he continued, before Santi Rando, president of the LOC, added: “For the last years, Catania has strongly showed its commitment to sport in general, and beach soccer in particular.
“We have not only supported international competitions during the last seasons, but we also have bright plans for the future, as we truly believe in this sport.”
Home favourites Italy will hope to give the crowds in Catania something to cheer after what has been another strong year for the Azzurri.
National coach Massimo Agostini said: “We have trained hard to reach this Superfinal in the best possible way.
“We have been thoroughly following our players all thorugh the season, at all the national championship venues, and we think we have the best team here.
“It will be very important to begin this Superfinal in a good manner, as the group we have been drawn in is very difficult. First objective is to win the first game, and after that, let’s see.”
With the action all set to get under way at 9am local time on Thursday with the Czech Republic facing England, officials from the various organisations involved spoke of their anticipation.
Assessore Bosco from Catania Council said: “The Catania Concil has been investing in sport because of its excellent relationship with tourism, and also because the Catanese people are passionate about it.
“With beach soccer we have both things: the sport perfectly matching the touristic approach of the city, and offering an activity our people love, one activity we have always played in a very natural manner.”
Deputy vice-president of Beach Soccer Worldwide, Gabino Renales, said: “It is great for us to be here in Catania once again, as we feel very well treated and supported here.
“And being able to host such an important event as the Superfinal of the Euro Beach Soccer League, in its 19th edition, is a great feeling. We want to thank Giuseppe Bosco and the city of Catania for their effort once again.”
Last but not least, Teresa Chiara, provincial delegate at the FIGC, summed up: “In Catania, we are making a great effort in helping integrate children through sport, and events like this help us make the buzz grow.”
