July 26, 2015 Toronto FC II--preview of Toronto FC II vs AS Roma Primavera (from torontofc.ca)
AS Roma Primavera kick off Canadian tour 07/26/2015 The Giallorossi Primavera left for Toronto on Friday July 24, where they are to take part in two friendly matches. The U19 side coached by Alberto De Rossi will train morning and afternoon in the Canadian city until Sunday August 2, as well as playing against Toronto FC on Tuesday July 28 at the Ontario Soccer Centre and against Detroit Academy on Friday July 31. After clocking up plenty of air miles in Europe last season as they marched to the UEFA Youth League semi-finals, the Giallorossi thus begin preparation for the new season on foreign soil. And for Alberto De Rossi, the importance of this experience cannot be underestimated. “We'd like to thank the club for giving us this opportunity to get to know new cultures and different sporting environments. It's a unique opportunity for these young men to grow.” This year's trip to Canada is the latest in a long series, which previously has seen the U19s travel all around the world, from Vietnam to South Africa via the United States – all great experience the boys can then bring to bear on the field. “Playing in faraway places widens your technical and tactical ability. Also, this trip has come at a crucial time. More than two thirds of our team has changed so this will allow the group to get to know each other better.” The coaching set-up has also seen changes and in many ways it will be like starting all over again. “We send our best wishes to all of our colleagues who have moved on to the first team, like Riccardo Del Vescovo. At the same time, we're welcoming Antonio De Cillis, whom I already knew from his time with Roberto Muzzi, and Vincenzo Costa, who will take up the role of medical officer. Change can either be good or bad, but nevertheless we always approach it with total positivity.” Two new players in particular, Sadiq Umar and Abdullahi Nura, made a great impression playing for Spezia in the Final Eight encounter and now they are here. The club moved quickly to snap them up. “This is a real positive for our team. These two attracted the attention of a lot of people last season. The club have done really well because we've landed a pair of young men who have shown everyone what they're worth. Thinking about the future, Sadiq has to build himself up a bit in his position as a striker, while Nura, who plays on the wing, has pace to burn and is very talented, but can still improve on his technique. Nevertheless, the raw material is there to work with and they are incredibly exciting prospects.” The young Giallorossi have already begun training at the Kia Training Ground in Toronto. Keep up to date on the U19s’ tour of Canada at asroma.it.
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