After a twenty-year wait, a team from Ticino has won the Swiss U15 Cup. The team to achieve this feat is Team Ticino Sottoceneri, led by manager Matteo Montorfano.
A FABULOUS, FLAWLESS FINAL TOURNAMENT
Drawn in Group 2 alongside Lausanne and Winterthur, the very young bianconeri players had to wait for the result of the opening match to find out the names of their first and second opponents.
The match that kicked off a tournament which proved to be thrilling in every respect was played against the team from Vaud, whom they defeated by a resounding 4–3 scoreline. The goals were scored by four different players – Andrea Riva, Kenan Jakupović, Ian Tiraboschi and Yassine Ourais.
Next came the match against the Zurich side. On that occasion, the team kept a clean sheet, whilst at the other end of the pitch Enea Di Marzo and Ian Tiraboschi scored the two goals that sealed a 2–0 victory.
The team thus reached the final with two convincing victories. Basel were the Ticino side’s opponents in the final, and they were beaten 3–1 thanks to goals from Riva (a brace) and Tiraboschi.
THE SQUAD THAT COMPETED AND WON THE TROPHY
#1 – Romeo Savi (goalkeeper);
#2 – David Bortoletto (defender);
#4 – Francesco Cipriani (defender);
#5 – Tobia Naiaretti (midfielder);
#6 – Tommaso Casati (defender);
#7 – Ian Tiraboschi (forward);
#8 – Yassine Ourais (forward);
#9 – Kenan Jakupović (defender);
#10 – Andrea Riva (forward);
#11 – Enea Di Marzo (defender);
#12 – Oscar Svanotti (forward);
#13 – Riccardo Laurenti (defender);
#15 – Stefano Rocca (forward);
#17 – William Endriss (midfielder);
#18 – Timoteo Schneebeli (goalkeeper);
#19 – Bleart Himaj (defender);
#20 – Sebastian Zanotti (midfielder);
#21 – Leon Andrea Gervasini (defender).
THE STAFF FOR THE SWISS CUP FINAL DAY
Manager – Matteo Montorfano;
Assistant Manager – Marco Olivieri;
Fitness Coach – Marco Brun;
Goalkeeping Coach – Camilo Fumagalli;
Coach – Daniele Pesciallo;
Team Manager – Fiorenzo Montorfano;
Team Leader – Enrico Di Manno.
COMMENT FROM MATTEO MONTORFANO (coach of Team Ticino Sottoceneri U15): ‘AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE’
“It was a team victory, achieved by a close-knit squad with incredible team spirit. We approached this match with confidence, camaraderie and a blend of passion, energy and excitement, whilst also managing to enjoy this moment together and striving to give our all, with the aim of reaching this milestone. A historic achievement, as this is the first time the Swiss Cup has come to Ticino. It’s been a long journey. Right from the start, the lads performed exceptionally well, approaching every single match with the right attitude and beating, in turn, Lausanne, Winterthur and Basel. The victory against Basel in particular was achieved through a combination of skill, stamina and heart. It’s a real source of satisfaction.
Reaching this tournament, featuring Switzerland’s strongest sides, means we’ve achieved a significant milestone. What’s more, we’ve gone head-to-head with the country’s top players. This life experience will be unforgettable for the lads. Teamwork was fundamental. A team spirit was forged, with everyone sharing the workload. As a result, our success has multiplied. Ultimately, teamwork always pays off; cohesion and a shared purpose ensure that the coaching staff can instil this in the squad. So, congratulations to all the lads on their performance throughout the tournament. I’d also like to thank the entire coaching staff and support team for their dedication and support.”
COMMENT FROM ENRICO DI MANNO (coordinator of Team Ticino Sottoceneri U15): “CHARACTER, DETERMINATION, COURAGE AND HEART”
“The lads were exceptional, winning every match and playing a final of the very highest quality, at the end of which representatives from the ASF came over to congratulate us. The entire staff were brilliant too; they organised this tournament impeccably, down to the smallest detail. You could really see the work they’d put in. In all three matches, the lads showed character, determination, courage and heart. Every contest got more intense as it went on, right up to the final against a Basel side of the very highest calibre.
A new chapter in our history has been written. It took nearly 20 years to bring home our first Swiss Cup. I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve achieved this milestone, because the 2010 squad is fantastic. We hope that the other teams will also follow the example set by our lads, who take to the pitch with an incredible mindset and a serious approach to their work. This is the key to success, achieved through the desire and determination shown at every opportunity, from training sessions to matches.”