(IN THE PHOTO: El Shaarawy, Zanetti and Marchisio for AIRC) 
MILAN – 1.000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed every day in Italy and over 2 million people (4% of the population) live with a previous tumor diagnosis. Behind these numbers, are the stories of people that go through the fear and uncertainties of an experience that changes their life. Research represents the only possible answer for them. For this reason, on Saturday the 8th of November and Sunday the 9th of November, the world of football will stand side by side with cancer researchers and lend its support to the “Un Gol per la Ricerca” campaign (A goal for research). The initiative is promoted by AIRC in collaboration with Lega Serie A, AIA, FIGC and TIM, which is offering part of its advertising space at stadiums. Players, coaches and referees invite the fans to support the work of researchers from AIRC by making an SMS donation through 45503.Key members from the Italian game have also been selected to carry the message. Stephan El Shaarawy, Claudio Marchisio and Javier Zanetti are the ambassadors and protagonists of the advert: “Un Gol per la Ricerca”. Alessandro Del Piero also lent his support once again and even put on a lab-coat to become a researcher for the day. With a microscope in one hand and a test tube in the other, the legend was able to experience close-up the work of researchers which is made possible thanks to donations in Italy. His experience can be viewed through a brief video which will be shown during the week of the campaign promoting cancer research.The support from the sporting world doesn’t end there and in occasion of the Euro qualifier between Italy-Croatia on the 16th of November at the San Siro, the Italian national team will be renewing their support for AIRC. Thanks to the FIGC, the Italian national team supports research into cancer through initiatives on the pitch and involving the fans off it via the social networks.Play your part and donate to 45503.