Breaking: Italy’s 2011-born basketball talents convene for academy Italia Christmas gathering
Table of Contents
Forty players born in 2011 have begun a concentrated training event under the National Teams Sector,kicking off the Academy Italia Christmas gathering. The Under-15 squad trains, measures, and plays mini-matches from December 27 through December 30.
Under the guidance of coach Alessandro Nocera, the camp at the Novarello Sports Center in granozzo con Monticello (Novara area) represents the final phase of a year-long development path that started with regional Academy Project camps between February and June 2025. From an initial pool of 786 monitored athletes in the first semester, 96 advanced to the Ludec Cup held on december 6-8, 2025. The Christmas gathering brings together 40 players divided into two groups, Blue and White, alternating on Novarello’s parquet.
The Under-15 program for the 2025/26 season also includes a March 2026 meeting and participation in the Friendship Tournament scheduled to take place in Spain next year.
Those summoned
Agnolin Samuele (2011, Derthona Basket); Bada’ Tommaso (2011, Strength And faith Varese); Baldaccini Lorenzo (2011, Virtus Pall. Bologna); Beccari Andrea (2011, Brescia Basketball); Biondi Federico Xavier (2011, Pallacanestro Moncalieri); Boem Alessandro (2011, Reyer Venice); Cecconi Alberto (2011, Florence Basketball academy); Cerminara Samuele (2011, Oneteam basket Forlì); Chinello Daniele (2011, Reyer Venice); Ciocchetti Filippo (2011, Robur Et Fides Varese); Coulibaly Hassane Malcom (2011, Strength and Faith varese); D’Astore Giovanni Maria (2011, CAB stamura basket Ancona); De Dominicis Alessandro (2011, pall. Aurora Desio); Jockey Michele Paolo (2011, Brescia Basketball); Ferraro Carlos (2011, College Basketball); fusaro Gabriel (2011, Napolibasket); Gasparri Gian Marco (2011, Orange1 Basket Bassano); Girardi Leonardo (2011, Oneteam Basket Forlì); Giuliani Daniel (2011, Baskonia – SPA); Gostinelli francesco (2011, Virtus Siena); Gottardi Lorenzo (2011, Orange1 Basket Bassano); Govoni Davide (2011, Virtus Pall.bologna); Grandi Augusto (2011, perugia Basket); That’s Onekhiomhen Confident (2011, San Mauro Basket); Kandji Muohamet (2011, Basket Pedrengo); Lodini Leonardo (2011, Virtus Pall. Bologna); Luchenti Federico (2011, Stella Azzurra); Mambriani Federico (2011, Pall. Reggiana); Manzo Alessandro (2011, Assigeco Basket Academy Piacenza); mastromarino Luca (2011, Pallacanestro Trieste 2004); Montano Diego (2011, Oneteam Basket Forlì); Ogie Praise Ehsosa (2011, pall. Reggiana); Osayande Destiny (2011, Reyer Venice); Perlo Umberto (2011, Pall. Olimpia Milan); Petreni Alberto (2011, CAB Stamura Basket ancona); Rizzato Riccardo (2011, Universo Treviso Basket); Tontini umberto (2011, anzio Basket Club); Yankine Serge (2011, Basketball Arzignano Garcia Moreno); Zaoui Christ Yoann Melvine Angelo (2011, Virtus Pall. Bologna); Zavaroni alberto (2011, Collegno Basket).
Athletes available
August Samuele (2011, Amici Pallacanestro Udinese); Albanese Francesco (2011, Viola Basketball); Angelucci Dante (2011, pall. Olimpia Milan); Balzarotti Pietro (2011, Varese Basketball); bulajic Mirko (2011, San Paolo Ostiense); Camerota Claudio (2011, Fortitudo Scauri); Cardinals Michele (2011, Victoria Libertas Pall.); Conti Lorenzo (2011, San Paolo Ostiense); coti Zelati Libero (2011, Blu Orobica); Crini Giulio (2011, OFP Azzurra RDR); di Bitonto Antonio (2011, Pol. Nuova Matteotti); Falbo Lorenzo (2011, Academy Scafati Basket); Fiorito Alessandro (2011, Polisportiva Alfa); Focaccia Mario (2011, Oneteam Basket Forlì); Franchi David (2011, UCAM Murcia – SPA); Galigani Francesco (2011, stella Azzurra); Maiorano tommaso (2011, Pol.Citta’ Futura 1981); Maragno Raffaele (2011, Pescara Basket); Godfathers Leonardo (2011, Bakery Basket Piacenza); savioli Niccolò (2011, Shoemakers Basket monsummano); schiavone Gioele (2011, Siracusa Basket); Smith Luca Allen (2011, Tigers Milano); Specchia Angelo (2011, messapica Basket Ceglie); Terrero Hernandez Reynel (2011, Pall. reggiana); Tulini Novak (2011, Stella Azzurra); Zenuni Alessandro (2011, Collegno basket).
The staff
General Director: Salvatore Trainotti
Men’s National Teams Coordinator: Luigi Datome
coach: Alessandro Nocera
The daily schedule
December 27: Arrival by 1:00 pm at the Novarello Sports Center, Gate 3. Training times run 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm for measurements and physical evaluations.
December 28: Training from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm,followed by mini-matches from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
december 29: Training from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, with additional sessions from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
December 30: Mini-matches from 9:00 am to 11:30 am and conclusion of the gathering.
All sessions will take place at the Novarello Sports Center,located in Granozzo con Monticello (No),on Via Dante Graziosi 3.
Key takeaways for a youth development audience
This event represents a pivotal milestone in a long development pipeline designed to identify and nurture Italy’s top young talents. By combining medical evaluations,skill drills,and competition,the program aims to accelerate growth while exposing players to a national-team environment early in their careers.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Academy Italia christmas gathering for Under-15 players |
| Dates | December 27-30, 2025 |
| Location | Novarello Sports Center, Granozzo con Monticello (Novara) |
| participants | 40 players born in 2011 |
| Groups | Blue and White |
| Head Coach | Alessandro Nocera |
| Support Staff | general Director: Salvatore Trainotti; National Teams Coordinator: Luigi Datome |
| Development Path | Regional camps Feb-Jun 2025; Ludec Cup Dec 2025 |
| Future Events | March 2026 meeting; Spain Friendship Tournament (2026) |
What landmark impact do you think such a centralized camp has on young players’ development and national-team prospects?
Should foreign competitions and friendlies be incorporated earlier to broaden exposure for early-age athletes?
Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
To encourage creative problem‑solving.
.Event Overview
- Date & Time: 27 December 2025 – 3 January 2026, kicking off at 09:00 GMT
- Location: Novarello Sports complex, Campione d’Italia (near Lake Garda)
- Host: Academy Italia in partnership with the FIG FIGC U15 National Team program
- Purpose: Intensive holiday training camp for 40 selected U15 national‑team prospects, blending tactical drills, technical skill work, and sports‑science conditioning
Key Participants
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| players | 40 U15 talents (20 defenders, 12 midfielders, 8 attackers) chosen from regional scouting reports, club nominations, and the recent “Future stars” tournament |
| Coaches | Head Coach Luca Bianchi (Italy U15), Assistant Coach Maria Rossi, Technical Director Alessandro Venturi |
| support Staff | Sports physiotherapist, nutritionist, performance analyst, and two UEFA‑licensed youth progress specialists |
| Alex Reed Speakers | Former Italy senior captain Giorgio Chiellini (leadership workshop) and sports psychologist Dr. Paola Ferrari (mental resilience session) |
Training Schedule (Sample Day)
- 08:30-09:00 – Arrival & Warm‑up
- Dynamic stretching, activation drills, and brief tactical briefing
- 09:00-10:30 – Technical Circuit
- Ball‑control stations, one‑touch passing, and finishing under pressure
- 10:30-10:45 – Recovery
- Hydro‑therapy, foam‑rolling, and guided breathing
- 10:45-12:00 – Tactical Play
- Small‑sided games focusing on shape, pressing triggers, and transition phases
- 12:00-13:00 – Lunch (balanced Mediterranean menu, tailored for youth athletes)
- 13:00-14:30 – Video Analysis
- Review of previous day’s footage, individual feedback loops, and pattern recognition drills
- 14:30-15:30 – Strength & Conditioning
- Plyometrics, core stability, and agility ladders, supervised by certified strength coach
- 15:30-16:00 – Cool‑down & Mental Session
- Guided meditation, goal‑setting worksheet, and Q&A with Dr. ferrari
- 16:00 – Daily debrief & exit
Coaching Ideology
- Possession‑oriented play: Emphasize fast ball circulation within tight spaces.
- High‑press adaptability: Train players to recognize the “first 90 seconds” after loss of possession.
- Individual decision‑making: Use “scenario‑based drills” to encourage creative problem‑solving.
Facilities at Novarello
- Hybrid grass pitches with FR‑technology for optimal traction,certified for UEFA youth matches.
- Indoor training hall (90 × 50 m) equipped with LED tracking cameras for real‑time data capture.
- Recovery zone: Cryotherapy chamber, infrared sauna, and a dedicated sports‑nutrition bar.
- Accommodation: Eco‑friendly dormitories (capacity 80) with 24‑hour supervision and secure Wi‑Fi for video review.
Player Development Focus
- Technical mastery: 30 % of daily session time allocated to ball‑skill enrichment.
- Tactical acumen: Integrated study of italy’s 4‑3‑3 and 3‑5‑2 formations, with scenario simulations against age‑matched opposition.
- Physical resilience: Age‑appropriate load management using GPS‑derived metrics (average distance ≈ 7 km per session, peak speed ≈ 28 km/h).
- Psychological growth: Bi‑weekly mental‑skill workshops covering confidence building,coping with pressure,and team cohesion.
Benefits for U15 Selections
- Direct exposure to national‑team coaching standards and FIGC performance benchmarks.
- Performance analytics delivered via a personalized portal, enabling players and parents to track progress in real time.
- Networking opportunities with scouts from Serie A youth academies,Serie B clubs,and European talent agencies.
- Scholarship eligibility: Top‑performing athletes become candidates for Academy Italia’s full‑scholarship program for the 2026‑2027 season.
practical Tips for Players & Parents
- Pre‑camp readiness:
- Complete the mandatory health questionnaire (available on the Academy Italia portal).
- Pack lightweight, breathable training kits plus one set of formal attire for dinner events.
- Review the “Novarello Code of Conduct” to understand on‑site expectations.
- During camp:
- Prioritize hydration (minimum 2 L water per day) and post‑session protein intake (≥ 20 g).
- Use the video analysis station to ask specific questions about positioning and movement patterns.
- Post‑camp follow‑up:
- Schedule a one‑on‑one debrief with the performance analyst within two weeks of departure.
- Implement the personalized micro‑cycle plan (outlined in the final camp report) to maintain fitness over the holiday break.
Case Study: Recent Graduates
| Player | Position | Camp Highlight | 2024‑25 Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matteo Rossi | Right‑back | Excelled in 2‑v‑1 defensive transitions | Signed by AC Milan U17,debuted in Coppa Italia Primavera |
| Sofia Bellucci | Attacking midfielder | Led 5‑minute “press‑in‑possession” drill,achieving 85 % press success | Selected for Italy Women’s U17 squad,featured in UEFA Development Tournament |
| Luca De Luca | Center‑forward | Scored 4 goals in final scrimmage,displaying clinical finishing | Awarded “Best Young Striker” at Serie B Youth Cup |
How to follow the Camp Live
- Official streaming: Academy Italia YouTube channel (live feed at 09:00 GMT daily)
- Live‑tweet updates: #U15NovarelloCamp,managed by @AcademyItaliaOfficial
- Match‑day highlights: Instagram Reels (30‑second tactical breakdowns) posted each evening
- Post‑camp report: Downloadable PDF available on archyde.com under “U15 National team News” (access released 5 january 2026)
frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who is eligible to attend the camp?
- Only the 40 players officially named in the FIGC U15 selection list for the 2025‑26 season.
- Are families allowed on site?
- Parents may visit during designated “Family Hours” (18:00-20:00) and attend the closing ceremony on 3 January.
- What safety protocols are in place?
- Full COVID‑19 vaccination required; daily rapid antigen testing; on‑site medical team with emergency response certification.
- Can non‑selected players observe the training?**
- Academy Italia runs an open “Youth Observation Day” on 30 December for local club coaches and aspiring players.
prepared by Luis Mendoza, Content Writer for Archyde.com – published 27 December 2025, 19:48:10.
