TOUR DIARY VIAREGGIO 2012 with Tony Raciti and Mannie Ziino

Day 1 -  Saturday 28^th January 2012

The day has arrived when the touring party from Sydney gathered at Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport  at 1.00pm ready to depart at 4.15pm on Singapore  Airline flight SQ226 bound for Italy via Singapore. On arrival at Singapore’s Changi airport the Sydney contingent of the touring party met with their interstate team members which all came from Victoria. They are, Matthew Napoli, Frank Proietto, Patrick Barba, Christopher Shaw, Tuo – Yeng Yang and Brandon Kuzamonvski.

Also upon landing at Singapore’s Changi Airport the group was stunned at the magnitude of the vast size of this mega international airport.

It is the world’s most awarded airport, and the seventh busiest international airport. What’s even more astonishing, Changi Airport  handled more than 46.5 million passenger movements last year.

This amazing airport serves some 100 airlines flying to over 210 cities in about 60 countries and territories worldwide.

A final amazing statistic – a flight takes off or lands at Changi Airport roughly once every 100 seconds.  

Day 2 -  Sunday 29^th January 2012

The Apia Leichhardt Tigers Touring Squad arrived at 7am at Rome’s Fumicino Airport  with a tournament playing squad of 17 players and 7 “apprentices”.

The playing squad was accompanied by coaching, administrative, physio and a media contingent of 8. After arriving at Rome’s Fumicino Airport at 7am and by 8am the touring party had already settled into the tour coach for quick departure towards Rome’s historic CBD, in a day with a temperature of 7 degrees, but brilliant sunshine.

First stop was made at a local food café/restaurant service station for a light breakfast and coffee break. Then the team headed for the Colosseum, in the city centre of Rome.

The Colosseum is the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is also one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering.

Occupying a site just east of the Roman empire, its construction  started between 70 and 72 AD. Capable of seating 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

It has been estimated that about 500,000 people and over a million wild animals died in the  Colosseum.

After a brief 20 minute visit the touring squad headed towards one of the world’s most famous tourist spots –  the Trevi Fountain.

It would be the last time that the group would have access to the club’s tour bus, due to the fact that tour coaches are not permitted within the main heart of Rome’s central business district.

It was all now by foot for the next 3 hours and 48 hours since the touring party had slept in a proper bed.

Now back to the Trevi Fountain, which is the largest fountain in Rome. The Trevi Fountain is at the junction of three roads and was one of the ancient aqueducts that supplied water to ancient Rome in 19 BC.

It was a source of pure water, some 13km from the city. The fountain was refurbished in 1998. A traditional legend holds that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome.

Approximately 3,000 euros are thrown into the fountain each day. The money is used to subsidise a supermarket for Rome’s needy. From there the group headed towards the Spanish Steps. These steps are the longest and the widest staircase in Europe.

This monumental stairway of 138 steps faces directly across Rome’s most famous and one of Europe’s most expensive streets – Via Condotti. The Via Condotti is home to most of Italy’s and the world’s magnificent fashion houses and retail brands. They include  Gucci, BVGARI, Prada, Johnny Choo, Versace, Max and Co, Salvatore Ferrogamo, Luis Vitton, Fendi and the Ferrari shop. Even at this very early hour in the morning there was thousands upon thousands of tourists, with a sprinkling of superbly and immaculately dressed local’s.

There is no doubt in the world that the Italian dress and fashion sense, even just merely going to church, work, the local supermarket or for a simple stroll, is unparalleled anywhere in the world.

Back to the Spanish steps, they are not a place for eating lunch. Eating food, sitting on these steps is strictly forbidden by Roman urban regulations, but they are always crowded with hundreds of people at all hours, at all times and during any weather conditions.

After another brief visit, we headed along the Via Condotti towards the Vatican City. But not before a quick entry into the no 1 Ferrari retail outlet in the world.

It was a case of only looking, admiring and definitely not even the slightest hint of buying anything. The prices for all the products in this store are ludricous and only fools would contemplate making a purchase. Thankfully there was not a solitary fool within the Apia party.

The hype surrounding the store is pitiful, with the retail staff insisting no photos were permitted to be taken. For God’s sake all the Ferrari products are clearly visible on any internet  site referring to Ferrari. It would be a wise move for the club to eliminate any future visits to this insignificant retail outlet.

The group then proceeded forward along this magnificent street, with starting prices for two bedroom apartments hovering around the 4 million euro mark.

We continued our 40 minute walk towards St Peters Square, after having walked the entire Via Condotti and then veered and meandered our way along the banks of the Tiber River. This massive river cuts through the entire mega metropolis of Rome which is undoubtley, within the top three cities in the world.

As we continued our trek along the Tiber river,  we witnessed at least a couple of hundred legal and illegal immigrants attempting to earn a living by attempting to entice the 50,000 or so tourist’s heading towards the Vatican City, by purchasing toys, umbrella’s and imitation brand watches.

It appeared that sales were very slow, not to mention the difficulties encountered by at least 20 to  30 elderly beggars pleading with the tourists to give them a small donation. We had no idea whether these beggars truly had limited financial resources, or no income at all, and due to their age, absolute no prospect for job opportunities.

But it was disappointing to witness so many beggars in such a major city, with obvious financial strength – not supporting in some financial capacity, housing, food or otherwise, what on face value appeared to be genuine people, for one reason or another, down on their luck.

Finally the vast St Peter’s Square and the mind boggling Vatican Cathedral came into our view. We walked along towards the square with tens of thousands of chanting and singing tourists and pilgrims, who were walking briskly to arrive by 12 noon within St Peters Square.

When the leader of the Catholic church is in residence, at exactly 12 noon, the Pope gives his blessing to the vast crowd well in excess of 50,000, in no less than 12 languages. Alarge number of the group lined up to enter the world’s largest church/cathedral, whilst others browsed within the many souvenir and gift shops in close proximity to St Peters Square.

The Vatican City is a landlocked sovereign city-state whose territory consists of a walled enclave, within the city of Rome.

At approximately 110 acres and with barely a population of 800, it is the smallest country in the world, by both population and area.

The Vatican City is a city-state that came into existence in 1929. The Pope is the head of state and the head of government of the Vatican City.

Finally we met up with our bus driver Salvatore, who has been the club’s tour coach driver for 9 out of the 10 years, the club has participated in the Viareggio tournament.

It was 2pm and he arrived on schedule, which is a rarity for Salvatore, to ensure our journey to Rome’s Olympic Stadium, for the Rome Vs Bologna Serie A clash, which finished in a 1 all draw.

We quickly disembarked on arrival at this magnificent sporting complex, but before entering the stadium the entire tour party were keen to purchase porchetta (pig) toasted paninos and pizzas, from the various food outlets outside the stadium.

It was approximately 2.20pm, with a 3pm kick off, and it was obvious that Roma’s vast army of supporters were  turning up in large numbers, due to the fact Roma hadn’t lost in the past 6 weeks, and were slowly heading up the League ladder.

Once inside the Olympic stadium, we were stunned with the mass sea of scarves and flags, that virtually every supporter, was proud to wear, and show their colours.

The match unfortunately was average, but the atmosphere and passion of the fans was electrifying. Our group left 15 minutes before the end of the game to avoid the massive congestion and traffic, that would prevail with over 48,000 spectators scrambling to their thousands of scooters, bicycles, motor bikes and cars, to get home in a city typical of most Italian cities – utter bedlam, chaos and loud constant noise, that is the beauty of Italy – its people, are always full of life and live for the day.

Tomorrow can take care of itself, when it comes around. As the group headed towards the Hotel Losanna in Viareggio, approximately a 5 hour trip, they would have been reflecting, on having spent a magnificent day, in what is without doubt the most beautiful ancient city in the world.

Modern Rome is a bustling cosmopolitan metropolis, and is Italy’s capital of politics, economy and media. It is a city rich in history, art and culture and its priceless monuments and treasures have led Rome, to attain an extraordinary Unesco World Heritage listing on many of these sites .

Its modern and ancient global influence in politics, literature, culture, music, religion, education, fashion, cinema and cuisine surely would entitle Rome as possibly the most magnificent city in the world.

Upon arrival at the hotel, the group was again warmly welcomed by the hotel’s owners – the Smurro family. After a hour or so settling in period, in their rooms, the players and tour administration, quickly fell asleep.

Day 3 -  30^th January 2012

Coaching staff Rod Williams and Lince Romeo, keen for the playing group to attempt to clear jet lag and have the players quickly aclimatised to the local conditions. As such after a tiring 48 hours travelling and the gruelling day tour of Rome – the team departed at 9.15am, for a stretch, warm up and training  match at a local park ten minutes from the team hotel.

After a sharp, quick tempo training match, of 30 minutes each half, the team quickly moved on to the local heated swimming pool, which is adjacent to the park, for a well deserved recovery session.

The recovery session was professionally supervised and organised by the club’s physiotherapist, David Floro. From there, the playing group, returned to the hotel for lunch and well deserved downtime, and much needed rest.

At about 4 pm, the group left their headquarters (which is more like a comfortable three storey family home than a hotel) for a 1 ½ hour walk along the water front, also in around Viareggio’s CBD area, to familiarise themselves with their home base for the next 15 days.

Viareggio is a city and commune located in the northern Tuscany region of Italy, on the coast of The Tyrrhenian Sea, with a population of 64,000. It is the main centre of the Northern Tuscan Riviera – known as Versilia – and the second largest city, within the spectacular wall enclaved province of Lucca.

Known as a seaside resort, as well as being the home of the famous carnival of Viareggio, dating back to 1873, and its floats, which since 1925 parade along the promenade known as “ Passegiatta Al Mare”, in the weeks preceding Easter.

The Viareggio carnival, is the second biggest in the world, after Rio De Janiero. Viareggio is also an active industrial and manufacturing centre.

It’s shipbuilding industry, has long been renowned around the world, and it’s fishing and floricultural industries are still fundamental sectors to the cities economy.

Day 4 – Tuesday 31^st January 2012

After a 8.30am breakfast, the playing group crossed over the road from the hotel for a brief 1 hour stretching and light workout in the approximate 20 acre forest, which amazingly is situated right in the heart of Viareggio, and adjacent to the city’s CBD commercial, shopping and market areas.Then it was back to the hotel for some rest, packing, lunch and preparation for the first trial match.

This trial match was organised by one of the club’s very close friends and local sporting identity, Roberto Tapanecco.

Roberto, is currently the sporting director of Massa – with the club currently in the Eccellenza League – which is one below Italy’s Serie D.

Massa is sadly another victim of Italy’s footballing financial crisis –  with tens of club’s throughout Italy insolvent, bankrupt, in administration or simply relegated,for failing to meet their monetary obligations.

Just a mere 10 years ago, Massa was a proud participant in Italy’s Serie B. They are currently sitting third in the Eccellenza League, just past the halfway mark of the competition.

Massa, are strongly on track to at least finish second, in their League, attaining a playoff position into the semi-professional League of the Serie D. Some of the bigger Serie D club’s, even today, still have a squad of full time professionals.

Upon arrival at the ground, we were pleasantly surprised with the complex, even though very ancient, the facilities were impressive.

Day 5 - Wednesday 1st February 2012

Our Cup preparations were badly stifled today as our long awaited match against Cesena, was cancelled early in the morning, ground being an incredible one metre under snow. This match had been organised and confirmed back in November last year.

But even, if the ground wasn’t covered under snow, the match was to be played 4 hours away, and a number of roads, and parts of the highway were closed, or partly closed or far to dangerous to travel on.

In the club’s previous 9 tours all trial matches have been played, and as was disclosed in the club’s tour booklet there was a possibility that no matches would be played. In previous no less than 8 trial matches had taken place.

As the 2012 Tour Booklet stated:

VITAL AND SIGNIFICANT TOUR DISCLOSURE INFORMATION

“Please understand that all trial games are subject to the weather and ground availability. But remember it is possible and it can happen, even though it has not occurred and we repeat during the previous 9 tours, that the tour may encounter extraordinary weather conditions, not permitting the playing of even a single or solitary trial match during the duration of the tour.”

Currently Italy is experiencing it’s coldest winter since 1956 which has, paralysed the country. Schools , railway stations and highways in major parts of Italy have been forced to close down.

As such we need to improvise and improvise quickly to give the tour future direction as we were fully aware from all the various weather reports that if 4 Serie A games were cancelled the previous night, then our prospects were very slim indeed of securing any trial matches in the next couple of days.

Worse still the daily TV news alerted us to the fact that the existing freezing weather conditions would continue up to and until Sunday (5^th February).

This of course concerned the camp, as 2 trial matches were to be played at 3pm simultaneously the following afternoon.

At 9.15am coaches Rod Williams (Sydney) and Lince Romeo (Melbourne) organised a solid 1 hour and 15 minute training session at the Campo D’Aviazione – a five minute drive from the team’s hotel.

It was then back to the hotel for a shower, lunch and rest period.

A further training session in the afternoon, of course was not possible as all the local parks were fully booked out, at this late stage.

Team management were immediately proactive and organised to view APIA’s Cup match versus Inter Milan in last year’s tournament, then after a detailed team talk in regards to structure, shape, discipline an insight into the high standard of the Italian referees and the importance to show the utmost respect and obedience to the match officials at all times.

Everyone was in bed by 9.30pm, hoping that the rain and snow would clear, or at least subside, so the 2 trial matches set down for the next day would go ahead, as scheduled.

Day 6 -  Thursday 2^nd February, 2012

The entire group as they awoke headed straight towards their room balconies – hoping for clear skies and no rain.

No such luck, we were all shocked when we witnessed light snowflakes falling. Most, if not all of us, had never seen snow falling.

At this stage we were really concerned  that our time consuming organising of trial matches today, would be in serious jeopardy. Two matches, both at 3pm, one on grass, the other on a synthetic surface.

Maybe the grass surface match would be called off. But surely, the synthetic surface match could go ahead. One was better than none, we thought.

So it was then breakfast, then onto our tour coach, for a 40 minute light training session, at the Campo D’ Scuolo (2km).

As we are driving to training, our tour liason officer, Guglielmo Funel, makes what would have been on this day, no less than 40 calls to team management.

Livorno, are keen to go ahead, they have advertised the matches and looking forward to hosting the Australians.

They have, enlisted the services of the local Council, to assist in clearing the snow, deep as it may be, and hopefully if there is sunshine, there would be an outside chance of the matches going ahead.

“I will ring you at about 12.30pm”, he stated. Our bus driver,  Salvatore, was praying for the matches to go ahead. Why you may ask? There is limited work at the moment during Italy’s winter months and  Salvatore only gets paid for the amount of hours he works.

(Salvatore – King Bus Driver).

He needed the work and this weather was limiting his daily working  hours, also not to mention, he is, like most Italians, a keen football fan, and also an official referee – and he too, wanted to watch,  a football match, on a daily basis.

The phone call arrived just before 1pm, and the news wasn’t good. The north of Italy is shivering, all the grounds are covered with at least a metre of snow. Roads are closed, and there is chaos everywhere.

Record snow sub-zero freezing and cold temperatures – weather conditions, not encountered in Italy for over 50 years. Boys, sorry, you will not be playing today and nor will any other team in Italy.

There was not much we could do. As a group, we just needed to get on with it, and turn many negative’s, into a positive situation.

As such we sought assistance from our hotel host Loris Smurro.” Any chance of booking the local outdoor “calcetto” courts, at such late notice, we pleaded.

Ten minutes later we were relieved when the local courts were both available, and could be booked for a two hour period stretch.

It was the perfect activity we were looking for, so all players, at all times, would be playing constantly, with no downtime.

Tour management wanted a World Cup style tournament with 4 teams, six players in each teams a, points table and the ultimate final. The exact number of the entire playing squad – how perfect. 

Future Captain material, Paul Galimi was entrusted with the “calcetto” portfolio, as he does most things, it was handled in his usual professional and serious manner.

The teams were of course evenly matched with a sprinkling of apprentices and “senior “ youth players to ensure competitive matches.

The squads were sorted out to perfection and an intense near on 2 hour “training” session ensured. It was then back to the hotel for showers, relaxation, rest and dinner.

About half an hour after dinner, the tour group’s ultra professional physio David Floro, again organised the squad in the hotel foyer for a series of “important”, stretching exercises to relieve stiffness and ensure muscle elasticity, toning and perfect “maintenance”, of the player’s physical condition and well being.

What a breath of fresh air David’s presence has bought into the camp – and apart from being a world class physiotherapist, and he is also one of Sydney’s leading chiropractors. More about David later. It was then back to our rooms and lights out at 9.30pm.

Day 9 -  Sunday 5th February, 2012

We awake to brilliant sunshine, all too late now. The damage has been done, weather wise. The locals tell us not to get too excited. The break in the weather, is only  temporary, for today and today only, plus the break in the weather is only happening in the Viareggio region. There is no change further up north. Freezing temperatures.

After a usual than later breakfast, it is after all Sunday, we head off to the local state of the art sports complex – with an outdoor heated swimming pool, gym and spa.

During summer this complex accommodates up to 4000 customers per day. After a 1 hour and 45 minute workout, it was back to the hotel for a quite recovery and rest in the rooms and prepare for lunch.

As there was no afternoon match, lunch also was later than usual. After lunch, again team management stressed to the playing group to take advantage of this  “quite” day in readiness for the 3 Cup and 2 training matches in the next 5 days.

Rest, recuperate and take a nap after lunch and conserve your energy. Today was also the first day of the famous Viareggio Carnevale.

At about 2.30pm the entire touring group headed for the promenade along the beachfront to attend the Carnival.

It was strongly stressed to the players that they strictly had to return “home”, no later than 5.30pm sharp.

Three hours walking and constantly on your feet – was more than enough. Any longer could affect performance and create unnecessary tiredness and physical exhaustion.

Early dinner was organised to ensure more rest and downtime in rooms and it was off to bed earlier than usual in readiness for tomorrow’s opening Cup game.

As for the Carnival, it appeared there was in excess of 100,000 but due to the extreme cold, even though there was sunshine today, the usual massive crowd appeared to be well done on previous years. The accompanying pictures are more valuable than a million words. After dinner the squad held a team meeting in the Hotel’s dining room to discuss the game plan for tomorrow’s game, so as to ensure full focus on the preparation and warm leading up to the 3pm kick-off.

Day 10 – Monday 6th February 2012

After an early breakfast the squad prepared for an early 10am training match against Gremio (Brazil) at Lago Del Torre (8km).

(See accompanying match report).

It was a phenomenal training match and experience, especially for the two 15 year olds, four sixteen year olds and two seventeen year olds, from the initial starting first eleven.

It was, without a doubt, the toughest match our youngsters have ever had to play. So tough, in fact that a number of the players kept asking the referee, yes Salvatore, finally made his first appearance as the stand in referee and our players kept asking him, how long was there left to go.

Salvatore – Bus driver now referee.

It was of course an unfair match up, considering the Brazilians train virtually on a fulltime basis.

Apia squad shot v Gremio

What was truly amazing was how courageous and competitive our youngsters were. It was an experience for them, that will give them boosted confidence and development, and when they line-up for their respective NSW Youth League teams -these youngsters, what they have experienced and seen in Italy, should in the future give them a mental and development edge, over their counterparts.

Gremio squad shot

Action shot Gremio game

It was back to our Hotel, after a very valuable “training session”, in readiness for our first Cup encounter, against Citta Di Marino at 3pm.

Lunch was an early 11.30am, as strongly requested by the players, and the camp was very quite at lunch, in comparison to the usually loud and boisterous playing group.

The players were of course, fully aware that all their hard work, training, preparation, strong fitness commitment and mental focus in the past, nine days in Italy, the previous 3 months approximately, back in Australia, was all geared to this first match – and the “read deal”.

Apia squad shot v Citta Di Marino

Citta Di Marino squad shot

Action shot –Citta Di Marino game

All previous matches played, there was nothing at stake, and a player’s ability, attitude and performance really only counts, when there is 3 points on offer.

This was the day that counted – and they knew it. (Refer to the in depth match report accompanying the tour dairy).

After the match, a deliriously happy camp, both players and supporter’s boarded the bus, for short trek back “home”, extremely satisfied, very proud and excited about the prospect – that this may be the year, after 10 successive tournaments – that Apia may just qualify for the second round.

Whilst on the bus our tour liaison officer rang to offer his congratulations – saying that the Roman team were in a state of shock – with some in their camp, the honest ones at least, claiming that Apia more than deserved their had fought point, but on balance, deserved to snatch victory.

Unfortunately Guglielmo put a little dampener on our low key celebrations, yes, no one in the camp, is a fool, nothing yet had been achieved we still had Juventus and Nordstaelland to play against and six points still on offer – and Juventus’s 6-1 thrashing of Nordstaelland in the first Cup encounter obviously meant, yes, we had to beat Juventus to qualify.

A draw and a win, (five points) would be difficult,  to envisage topping the group – for that matter even 5 points from our group, would not achieve one of the four valued highest second placed spots, from the 12 groups of 4 teams.

The 12 group winners, plus the 4 highest placed  runners up, make up the final 16. Capito!

Now, let’s forget all the statistics, mathematics and possible scenarios, all really, a big waste of time. What is important is to prepare thoroughly and completely for our big clash with Italian Youth giants – Juventus.    

The players had a relaxed dinner, a light stretch and then to their rooms for deserved downtime and recovery.

The club’s administration and supporters then attended the Viareggio tournament’s Gala Ball, at a lavish function centre, perfectly positioned 5 minutes walk from our Hotel.

Day 11 – Tuesday 7th February 2012

A well deserved sleep in and late breakfast. The players were absolutely exhausted. They had limited free personal time.

A late lunch was scheduled and the players finally were allowed 1 hour personal time, to go the local supermarket, newsagent and chemist.

The previous evening we had organised another training match at RETIGNANO (27km). Kick off set down for 6.30pm. We were not keen with this late start, as although we were keen to have a locked-in training match, but we were not keen to have a late dinner, possibly 9.30pm.

Apia squad shot

But we had so many cancelled matches due to the previously reported on many occasions, bad weather, we very reluctantly accepted - the offer for a training match to ensure all our squad retained match fitness.

We were informed that the training match was in the mountains, it would be extremely cold and windy and to ensure all players were “rugged” up for what would be freezing night time temperatures.

When team management was told the match was in the mountains we took this to mean at the foot of the mountains or in a mountainious region, not 1800 metres above sea level. We were stunned, shocked, dismayed and maybe a little concerned, when we realised that the match venue, yes, the actual field, was on the top of the mountain.

As the coach made it’s ascent up the mountain, we thought that within a couple of minutes we would reach our destination.

But it wasn’t to be a couple of minutes, in fact a total of 55 minutes. It was simply unbelievable.

The higher we went, the thicker the snow. At the bottom of the mountains there was no snow, no hint of snow, no white anywhere. All very normal. How was it possible that within 10 to 15 minutes there was thick snow everywhere. As we proceeded, what in our minds a treacherous road, the snow was not just on the mountains, but on both edges of the road. In a number of areas there was also a formation of large ice    chunks. Thank God, all on the edges only, not on the actual middle of the road.

Our reliable bus driver Salvatore wasn’t available tonite. H e said he had a very important dinner engagement, and his replacement would be Piero, who was born in Palermo, Sicily, and had moved to Pisa 13 years ago.

Maybe Salvatore knew something, we didn’t. Piero was certainly a character, very friendly and helpful, and a true professional.

He knew we were concerned and not keen to proceed. But there was no turning back, we had to reach our destination.

Halfway up the mountain team management had made a very sound and sensible decision. When we finally arrived we would inform the driver, that we would immediately be going back.

There would definitely be no game, under no circumstances did we have the stomach to travel back down the mountains on a road with no road lights, possible heavy fog, and in pitch black darkness. Piero was shocked, when we arrived and we informed him that we would stop for only 5 minutes and go straight back.

“Non si gioca”, states Pietro. That’s right, we are not going to play, we respond. The players began to take amazing and unique photos, smiling, laughing and joking, maybe youthful bravado. The adults in the touring group definitely had a different view of the situation. We apologised profusely to our hosts. We had no hesitation, in not wanting to play, and duty of care would prevail. We only wanted to get the group safely back down the mountains in daylight.

Piero did not share our concern whatsoever – he couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about.

He helped calm our nerves down, constantly smiling, laughing, talking and cracking jokes. In closing this treacherous journey, for the locals is not treacherous, nor dangerous, it’s all simply normal.

In our view we are shocked that hundreds of locals make this journey daily. We are also shocked, at the large number of towns and villages nestled, within this mountainous region.

It is hard to comprehend how one could live in such a region – a magnificent, laid back, relaxed and healthy environment, no doubt. But the risk in driving to your home, to and from work daily, is far too high.

Upon returning to flat ground, we instructed Piero to stop the bus. We needed our feet to touch the ground, to relax and content that we, we being the adults, now felt safe.

As for the players, they too, like Piero couldn’t fathom team management’s concern. We were, privately content that the players, did not visualise any risk.

It was then back to dinner at the Hotel and to prepare and focus for the long awaited match, against Juventus tomorrow.

Day 12 – Wednesday 8th February 2012

We awoke to clear blue skies, although the temperature was only 2 degrees. Just 4 hours up north it was -5 degrees. The players awoke early for an 8.30am breakfast.

Then the group went for a half hour walk and light stretch, directly opposite the Hotel, along the waterfront. Then it was back to the Hotel for a 10.30am team talk.

The boys were surprised when at approximately 11.10am a cameraman from RAI Sport, walked into our team meeting. He respectfully asked if he could film the players, as well listen into part of the team talk. We were more than happy to oblige.

He informed us that he needed to attain some footage, for a preview prior to the national live coverage of our match at 3pm vs Juventus. After about 20 minutes he had finished, and we thanked him for the greatly appreciated publicity.

He warmly told us it was not up to Apia to thank him, it was he, who should be thanking the group for their co-operation and kind assistance.

After the meeting, it was straight into a light pre-match lunch. The group was very, very quite, focussed and extremely serious.

Senior team management had a strong sense or feeling that this team, was on track to give the mighty Juventus a massive, super competitive game.

We deliberately left the team’s headquarters very late, at approximately 1.40pm – as the players relaxed in their rooms and were instructed to take the weight of their feet.

Upon arrival at the tournaments main and home stadium, a mere five minutes from our Hotel, the Stadio di Apli, the Juventus squad were already in their dressing room.

It was only the second time, in 29 previous Cup matches played over 10 successive tournaments, that the club had participated in, that we had the privilege to play at the main stadium. We quickly filed into our dressing room and it was straight down to business.