18h May 2026
The importance of human capital in football: the role of youth academies as a driver of development and sustainability
On May 18, at the Coverciano Federal Technical Center, SFS and Lega B will host an event dedicated to enhancing human capital in football and the strategic role of youth academies in the sustainable development of the sports system.
The gathering will bring together clubs, institutions, sporting directors, heads of youth academies, and the media to explore models, visions, and best practices related to the growth of young talent.
The event will take place from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM in the Aula Magna of the “L. Ridolfi” Federal Technical Center in Coverciano and will be followed, in the afternoon, by the Supercoppa Primavera 2.
Panels and speakers will be announced in the coming days.
Programme
10:30 – 10:45
Institutional Greetings
- Mario Beretta, President of the Technical Sector – FIGC
- Maurizio Francini, Head of the Federal Technical Center “Luigi Ridolfi” in Coverciano
- Gabriele Nicolella, General Secretary – LNPB
- Gianfilippo Valentini, Founder – SFS
10:45 – 11:30
The Role of Serie B in the Development of Young Talents
- Federico Bargagna, Head of Youth Academy – Empoli F.C.
- Davide Succi, Technical Director of the Youth Academy – Cesena F.C.
- Alessandro Frara, Head of Youth Academy – Frosinone Calcio
- Rebecca Corsi, Vice President and CEO – Empoli F.C.
- Renzo Castagnini, Sporting Director – Frosinone Calcio
11:30 – 12:15
The Future of Italian Talent: Vision, Regulations and Development
- Andrea Barzagli, Assistant Coach – Italy Under 21
- Massimiliano Favo, Head Coach – Italy Under 18
- Manuel Pasqual, Head Coach – Italy Under 16
- Luigi Milani, Supervisor – Italy Under 14 and Former Head of Grassroots Football at Juventus
12:15 – 13:00
Scouting Models Compared: European Best Practices
- Antonio Tramontano, Italian Market Scout – West Ham United F.C. and Coordinator of the FIGC Scouting Course
- Pasquale Sensibile, Sporting Director – KAS Eupen and Former Head of Scouting – Paris Saint-Germain F.C.
13:00
Institutional Greetings
- Paolo Bedin, President – LNPB
15:00
Primavera 2 Super Cup, Empoli F.C. vs Como 1907
Moderator: Fabio Guadagnini, Marketing, Commercial, Media and Communications Director – LNPB
