It was a spectacular event, but above all one full of surprises on the second day of the Pulcino d’Oro, which saw the young talents of international football take centre stage in a celebration of fun and entertainment that involved the whole community of Levico Terme. All 88 participating teams were present on the pitches in Levico on Viale Lido today, Friday 12 June: 64 from the International Tournament and 24 from the Pulcino d’Oro Girls.

Against the backdrop of a wonderful crowd, the approximately 1,500 boys and girls taking part showcased all their talent. Then, in the late afternoon, the most eagerly awaited moment took place: the colourful and heartfelt parade.

The results from the second day

In the Pulcino d’Oro International Tournament, the Brazilians of Fluminense stood out with a perfect record in a closely contested group that saw Trento finish in second place. Among the top clubs, Leeds United, RB Leipzig, Fiorentina, PSV Eindhoven, Inter, Leicester, Parma, Roma and Atlético Madrid all secured nine points. The surprise German side Nuremberg – winners of the first leg of the Pulcino d’Oro in Germany – finished on 7 points alongside Atalanta. Barcelona and Accademia Roma also finished on 7 points. Como finished ahead of Montebelluna, whilst the Belgian side KAA Gent finished ahead of Vigor Senigallia.

The big surprises of the day came from Treviso, who beat Benfica (who finished second), and the Danish side Gentofte, who managed to get the better of Juventus, who finished second in the group. Benacense also achieved a great result, finishing a splendid second behind Parma. Rounding off the list of teams qualifying for the Oro selection are Dolomiti Bellunesi, Villafranca Veronese, Universal Solaro, Franco Selvaggi Matera, Real Sito Caserta, Levante Azzurro, Ancona and Foligno.

In the Pulcino d’Oro Girls competition, the big names put in excellent performances. Inter, Juventus, Sporting Lisbon, Lazio and Genoa (who got the better of Roma). A wonderful display was also put on by Frosinone, Lady Maerne, Cadore, Pro Vercelli, Dolomiti Bellunesi, Hellas Verona, Real Sala, La Rocca Monselice, Chievo Verona, Brescia, Riozzese, Padova and Alto Livenza.

The fashion show in the heart of Levico

In keeping with tradition, the day featured the spectacular official parade. Following the morning’s competitions, all the teams paraded from the Habsburg Park through the historic centre, before reaching the public beach on Lake Levico. It was a deeply moving moment, filled with dancing and choreography, featuring performances by the dancers of the NTA Dance School, the Majorettes, the Tiger Dixie Band, DJ Gabriele Pegoretti, freestyler Davide Pisani, the Barco Oratory and Camilla Libardoni with her aerial silks routine.

The Villaggio del Pulcino has been opened

Today also saw the opening of the Villaggio del Pulcino, the hub for a wide range of activities for the public. One of the highlights was the Round Table discussion, which featured some big names in sport, including Francesca Dallapé, Italian diving champion and silver medallist at the Rio 2016 Olympics; Italian triathlete Alessandro Degasperi; and two rising stars of Italian sport: cyclist Giulio Pellizzari and Aquila Basket basketball player Cheickh Niang.

Tomorrow: the second and third stages

Tomorrow will be a decisive day in determining the eight final groups: Pulcino d’Oro, d’Argento, di Bronzo, Gialloblù and the four Pulcini Arcobaleno (red, white, light blue and green). Sixteen teams will take to the pitch in Borgo Valsugana and the same number in Caldonazzo, whilst the second and third stages of the Pulcino d’Oro Girls tournament will be played in Ischia. The Pulcino d’Oro thus continues to bring together sport, friendship and inclusion, in a splendid festive atmosphere that embraces Trentino and the whole world.