AS Roma underlined its commitment to social causes this afternoon as Roma Legends and Liberi Nantes took to the field for a charity match representing the culmination of the “Oltre il Gioco” (Beyond the Game) initiative. “Oltre il Gioco” has seen AS Roma’s foundation Roma Cares join forces with Sisal Matchpoint to support Liberi Nantes Football Club, recognized by the UNHCR to be the first football team in Italy entirely made up of refugees and asylum seekers.
The match took place on the XXV Aprile pitch in Pietralata, an area in the east of Rome. A large crowd was out to support the initiative, with many of them making donations to the cause before and after the game.
On the pitch, Roma Legends didn’t disappoint. Led by iconic captain Giuseppe Giannini, the team featured the likes of Vincent Candela, Alessio Scarchilli, Stefano Desideri, Odoacre Chierico, Max Tonetto and Massimo Marazzina. That said, the Liberi Nantes players put in a commendable performance, with the game played in a spirit of solidarity and celebration. For the record, the final score was a 3-3 draw, with Massimo Marazzina supplying a brace and Chierico getting the other goal for the Giallorossi. There were more familiar faces on the sidelines, with the likes of Sebino Nela, Massimiliano Cappioli, Giancarlo De Sisti and Angelo Benedicto Sormani all coming along to support the initiative in Pietralata.
The match was a great way of raising awareness of the organization in Rome and above all the perfect opportunity to gather funds in order to refurbish the iconic XXV Aprile pitch in Pietralata and purchase sports equipment ahead of Liberi Nantes’ new season.
Also participating on behalf of AS Roma was sporting director Walter Sabatini, who said a few words about the objectives behind the match: “This is where football starts, on pitches in the suburbs like the one we’re at today. We’re trying to raise awareness of social issues through Roma Cares and today’s initiative, awareness that then has to be translated into concrete action by individuals. That’s why Roma supports this laudable initiative and is often on the front line in other social projects. The owners want to make football and Roma a vehicle for social good and we’re delighted to put that into practice.”
We would like to remind you that you can support the “Oltre il Gioco” project with a donation at Sisal Matchpoint branches or on their website, using the fake betting market “Progetto Asd Liberi Nantes”.
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