The curtain rose today on the 2026 Pulcino d’Oro International Tournament, an event that has now become a benchmark for Under-11 and Under-13 girls’ football. Until Sunday 14 June, the pitches of the Valsugana – with Levico Terme at its heart – will host an event that goes far beyond the game itself, celebrating the values of sport and community spirit. The figures speak volumes about the exceptional nature of this edition, with eighty-eight participating teams, including both professional and amateur clubs, making for an international showcase of youth football that is proving to be a truly global phenomenon. The pitches in Levico, Borgo Valsugana and Caldonazzo have already been brought to life by dozens of volunteers, schools and local associations, in an atmosphere of great enthusiasm and participation.
It was a spectacular start to the match
The first day brought immediate surprises, with the top 48 men’s teams and all 24 sides in the Pulcino d’Oro Girls competition taking to the pitches. In Caldonazzo, at partner club Audace, Trento got off to an excellent start, securing maximum points thanks to victories over Cavolano and Vivi don Bosco. It was also two out of two for the Danish side Gentofte, who beat Villa Cortese and Lavis, and for an impressive Nuremberg, who overcame Accademia 10 e Lode and Conca Academy. Levante Azzurro and Real Sito Caserta also performed well. In Borgo Valsugana, hosted by Borgo, Lombardy’s Universal Solaro beat Liventina and Levico, whilst Dolomiti Bellunesi got the better of Palombina Vecchia from the Marche region and Borgo. Accademia Calcio Roma also performed well. In the women’s tournament, in Levico, Juventus, Roma and Sporting Lisbon are shining, having managed three wins from three. Inter also performed well, racking up two wins and a draw against Hellas Verona to sit on 5 points. Lazio and Padova are also on 7 points, alongside Alto Livenza. Finally, there were plenty of surprises, with Frosinone and Brescia managing to secure six valuable points.
The opening fashion show is coming up
Tomorrow, Friday 13 June, from 8.30 am, all 88 teams will be back on the pitch in Levico at the ground on Viale Lido. In the afternoon, from 4.30 pm, it will be time for the opening ceremony, one of the most eagerly awaited events of the whole tournament. The procession will set off from the picturesque Parco Asburgico, winding its way through the streets of the town centre until it reaches the public beach on Lake Levico, where the official presentation of the teams will take place in an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie.
Football and values: a universal language. On the sporting front, the 2026 edition promises to be of the very highest standard. Everything is set for the debut of the top teams. Alongside Inter, Juventus, Roma, Atalanta, Como, Fiorentina and Parma, the Brazilian side Fluminense and the Spanish side Atlético Madrid will take to the pitch. There is also great anticipation for Barcelona and powerhouses such as RB Leipzig, PSV and Benfica. For all of them, Friday morning will mark the start of their campaigns.