Francesco “Ciccio” Graziani, 1982 World Cup champion and renowned sports pundit, hosted the first-ever Ciccio Graziani Football Academy Training Camp in Malta, between July 1 to 5 at the Melita Football Club.
Running daily from 9am to 12pm, the camp welcomed children born between 2010 and 2015, offering them a unique chance to be coached directly by Graziani and his team of professional trainers.
The focus of the academy goes beyond technical skill development, emphasising personal growth, enjoyment, and team spirit, key elements Graziani believes are essential in youth football.
“This camp became a reality thanks to my friend Alberto Bisazza, who helped me bring the academy to Malta,” Graziani told the Times of Malta.
“We tried to do it a year ago, but it didn’t work out. Thankfully, we made it happen this year.”
Though short in duration, the five-day camp offered valuable guidance and feedback for young players.
“You can’t revolutionise a player in five days, but you can help them identify areas to improve,” Graziani noted.
“For instance, many kids are strong with their right foot but struggle with the left, and this is something they must continue working on with their club coaches next season.”
One of the academy’s core principles is to allow kids to enjoy the game without pressure.
“Fun is the foundation. That’s a big priority for us,” Graziani emphasised.
In partnership with Rising Star Scouting MT, the camp included advanced masterclasses focused on technical refinement and game intelligence.
Goalkeepers received specialised training from former Torino goalkeeper Renato Copparoni, famed for saving a penalty from Diego Maradona.
Copparoni, who has coached elite goalkeepers like Angelo Peruzzi and Luca Marchegiani, shared insights tailored for aspiring shot-stoppers.
Participants also had the chance to take part in an interactive Q&A session with Graziani, joined by their parents, to learn firsthand from his illustrious playing career.
Each child left with a branded training kit, a certificate of participation, and a personalised autographed photo with Graziani.
More importantly, standout talents may be selected for trials with top Italian clubs such as Roma, Torino, and Fiorentina.
Professional scout and match analyst Pepe Maurizio, based in Bologna and certified by Coverciano’s Technical Sector, was present throughout the camp.
Maurizio specializes in evaluating young players’ technical and tactical attributes and works with international agencies to spot future stars.
Looking ahead, Graziani hopes to organise two to three camps in Malta each year, especially during Serie A’s off-season and international breaks.
“It would be great to create continuity here and give these kids the opportunity to grow and test themselves in Italy.”
Italian football’s struggles
Graziani also spoke about broader issues in Italian football, including the lack of opportunities for local talent.
“In Primavera teams, most clubs field four or five foreign players. It’s no surprise that 68% of Serie A is made up of foreigners. Our young Italians are not getting enough opportunities to play.”
Commenting on the national team’s current struggles, Graziani criticised recent tactical overhauls. “Luciano Spalletti, who is a great coach, tried to turn the national team into a club side. But at this level, you are a selector, not a coach on a day-to-day basis. You pick the best players by role and establish a familiar structure from game to game.”
As Italy battles for 2026 World Cup qualification after a 3-0 loss to Norway, Graziani offered advice to new head coach Gennaro Gattuso: “Build a sense of belonging. Pick the best. That’s the first step in getting positive results.”
