Under-17 track hockey players are Versilia’s team heroes with Italy at the men’s and women’s European Championships

The European Under-17 Hockey Championships for men and women, played in Olot, Spain, ended in favour of Italy, led by Massimo Giudice, with third place for the men (fifth in a row) and fourth place for the women. The men’s title was won by Portugal, with a score of 5-2 in the final against Spain. The latter won the women’s title (1-0 on penalties against Portugal).

At the European Men’s Championship, Italy finished third in Group A (4-0 to France, losing to Spain 1-6 and Portugal 1-3); in the quarter-finals 6-1 to Switzerland; in the semi-finals in extra time (2-4) to Spain; for third place (3-2 after extra time) against France. Fifth place Germany – Switzerland 1-0; Seventh place England – Austria 3-0.

The women’s team also finished third in the first stage thanks to victories over Germany (2-1), France (3-0) and England (5-1); they lost to Spain (0-3) and Portugal (0-2). Third place France-Italy 2-1; fifth Germany-England 3-0.

The six local athletes performed well in these European Championships, with particular merit being noted for the Pumas trio, Filippo Poletti (goalkeeper), Giovanni Pesavento (5 goals), Elia Cardella (captain, 3) with high minutes. Others also performed well: Lorenzo Giovanelli (Forte, 1 goal) and the girls Bianca Bertolucci (Pumas), Anna Balagi (Spain). The next commitments for the Italian national teams (seniors, women and under-19s) will be the World Championships in Novara in September.

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