A day of authentic sport, where the winners were not only those who achieved results on the pitch, but above all those who showed respect, had fun and shared the experience. The fourth edition of the Pulcino d’Oro Marche Regional Tournament, hosted by Junior Jesina – Roberto Mancini Football School, turned into a major event, not only in sporting terms, which provided excitement and entertainment.
The regional Pulcino d’Oro was won by the young players from Ancona, who demonstrated great skill, commitment and determination throughout the tournament. The team stood out not only for its results but also for its behaviour on the pitch, fully embodying the spirit of the Pulcino d’Oro, a tournament that goes far beyond the league table and aims to train young footballers, but above all the sportsmen and women of tomorrow.
Sixteen teams took part, representing the best youth football clubs in the Marche region, making for an intense and exciting day. Aurora Jesi, winner of the 2023 edition, lost to Ancona in the final round, but still finished ahead of Palombina Vecchia Academy Parma and Cingolana San Francesco, completing a group of high technical level. The Pulcino d’Argento provided plenty of excitement, with a thrilling head-to-head battle between Senigallia Calcio and Junior Jesina – Scuola Calcio Roberto Mancini, which was only decided in a shootout in favour of the former. Next came Vigor Senigallia and Matelica, also protagonists of a high-quality tournament. Completing the list of winners was Biagio Nazzaro in the Pulcino di Bronzo, ahead of Vigor Salesiana, Tolentino and Marina Calcio, and Cupramontana, winner of the Pulcino Gialloblù, followed by Fabriano Cerreto, Moie Vallesina and Jesina.
The atmosphere in the stands and on the sidelines was that of a major event: exemplary fairness, enthusiasm from the crowd, positive support and heartfelt participation from coaches, managers and families. It was a true celebration of youth football, where every young athlete was a star.
The Pulcino d’Oro is a project that continues to grow and, year after year, is becoming more and more of an international event. After thrilling England with Middlesbrough‘s victory, the Netherlands with RB Leipzig‘s triumph, and Portugal with Benfica‘s success, the Pulcino d’Oro also made stops in various Italian regions: from Campania (with Accademia Dieci e Lode winning in Caserta), Lazio (with Ostiamare in Rome), Puglia (with FC Andria in Bari), Lombardy (with Universal Solaro winning in Milan), Umbria (Ponte Valleceppi), Friuli Venezia Giulia (San Luigi Trieste) and Tuscany (success for Follonica Gavorrano). A journey rich in sport, passion and values, which now looks ahead to the grand final in June in Levico Terme.
From 12 to 15 June 2025, Levico Terme in Trentino will host the eagerly awaited international stage, with 80 teams (64 men’s and 16 women’s) from all over the world. Among the clubs present will be some of the most prestigious in Europe and South America: Inter, Juventus, Atalanta, Roma, Bologna, Parma, River Plate, Barcelona, RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen, Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Leeds United, PSV and many others. A true world championship, where promising young players will compete in a spirit of respect and passion for football.
Meanwhile, the Pulcino d’Oro journey continues: the next two stages, scheduled for early May in South Tyrol and Sicily, promise new excitement and confirm the strength of a project that speaks the universal language of sport.