As part of the build-up to the UEFA Super Cup, Udinese Calcio played host to a special event which saw the club's on- and off-field achievements take centre stage. The meeting was held at Fondazione Friuli with the support of Promoturismo FVG and Bluenergy on the morning of the game between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur at Bluenergy Stadium.
Proceedings began with the customary institutional greetings and messages, delivered by Friuli Venezia Giulia Region President Massimiliano Fedriga, the Mayor of Udine Alberto Felice De Toni and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina.
That was followed by the first of the day's two panels, on sustainability – a topic of great importance to Udinese for many years now – during which speeches were given by Magda Pozzo, UEFA Director of Social & Environmental Sustainability Michele Uva and Bluenergy CEO Alberta Gervasio.
The second panel focused on the game of football itself, with the involvement of three former Udinese stars: Oliver Bierhoff, Gerard Deulofeu and Gokhan Inler.
Udinese Calcio managing director Franco Collavino was then on hand to wrap up the morning's proceedings.
“The Super Cup is the perfect opportunity to show the world what Udinese is all about and spread the messages that are dearest to us,” explained Magda Pozzo. “It's no coincidence that we decided to dedicate one of the two panels for this event to sustainability – a matter of fundamental importance to our club and one of the key factors that weighed on UEFA's decision to select Bluenergy Stadium as the venue for this historic match.”
“I am proud because after months of preparations the day of the Super Cup is here,” commented managing director Franco Collavino. “This event is recognition for all the work we have done on and off the pitch over the years which has led to Udinese being held up as a model club at international level. Udine and Friuli Venezia Giulia are hosting the final of a European competition and it has been possible thanks to a sustainable, innovative facility like Bluenergy Stadium. Today we have seen the story of innovation, ambition and star players. I would like to thank the Region, UEFA, FIGC and everyone else who has made it possible for us to host this historic match. Now we will look forward to new horizons such as our dream and objective of Euro 2032.”