The Sicily national football team (Sicilian: Naziunali Siciliana di Palluni) is the representative football team of the island of Sicily. It is controlled by the Sicilia Football Association and is also colloquially referred to with the name Naziunali Siciliana. The Sicilia F.A. was founded in 2020.
 | ||||
| Nickname(s) | Naziunali Siciliana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Association | Sicilia Football Association | |||
| Head coach | Giovanni Marchese | |||
| Captain | Davis Curiale | |||
| Top scorer | Davis Curiale (2) | |||
| ||||
| First international | ||||
 Sicily 4–1 Sardinia  (Mazara del Vallo, Italy; 10 June 2022) | ||||
| Biggest win | ||||
| Sicily 4–1 Sardinia [1] (Mazara del Vallo, Italy; 10 June 2022) | ||||
It is not affiliated with either FIFA or UEFA and is therefore not allowed to participate in either the FIFA World Cup or the UEFA European Championship. However, since June 2021 the Sicilia F.A. has been associated with the CONIFA, from which in October 2023, just two years later, he announced his exit with regret and disappointment, after having denounced in an unequivocal press release his lack of seriousness and not having taken part in any official competition, and that he wanted to travel paths for international recognition, and the desire to compete in serious and challenging competitions.
History
editIn the past, the idea of creating a Sicilian national team has been already proposed by some journalists and Sicilianist circles.[2][3][4]
The current project started in 2019 following the first contacts with CONIFA.[5] The project was born thanks to the synergy of a Founding Committee from the three metropolitan cities of Sicily: Palermo, Catania and Messina. The official foundation of the Sicilia F.A. dates back to 15 May 2020, while the public activities were launched in 2021.
At the foundation Salvatore Mangano from Messina was chosen as President, Angelo Priolo and Fabio Petrucci from Palermo as Vice-president and General Secretary, while Alberto L'Episcopo from Catania – a former Manager of the Serie A team Chievo Verona – is the General Manager.[5] Mario Bonsignore – former President of A.C. Ancona, Manager of F.C. Messina and Marketing Manager of the Malta Football Association – is the General Consultant of the Sicilia F.A. Pietro Cannistrà and Benedetto Bottari – protagonists of the S.S. Milazzo’s promotion to the Lega Pro – are respectively Head of the Sporting Area and Team Manager.
One of the main goals of the Sicilia F.A. is the promotion of the Sicilian national identity through football. Indeed, the initiative of the Sicilian national football team is based on the idea that Sicily represents a stateless nation with its own geographical peculiarities, history, language and culture.[6] The Sicilia F.A. has already signed partnerships with the "Accademia della Lingua Siciliana" ("Academy of the Sicilian Language") and the Cultural Association "Lu Statutu" in order to realize its goal.
Very soon, the birth of the Sicilia F.A. inspired the fantasies of the media about the international players that theoretically could wear the jersey of the team, from Mario Balotelli to Vincenzo Grifo.[6][7]
The first two football associations that acknowledged the Sicilia F.A. were the national football teams of Sardinia and Corsica.
The Global Executive Committee of the CONIFA accepted Sicily as a member association on 27 June 2021.[8]
The Sicilia F.A., with a futsal selection, is one of the six participants to the 2021 CONIFA No Limits Mediterranean Futsal Cup.[9] 18 October, 2023, Sicily announced it had withdrawn from CONIFA after not featuring in any CONIFA tournament.[10]
Colours and logo
edit
The official colours of the Sicilian national football team are red and yellow, like the flag of Sicily.
The logo of the Sicilia F.A. is based on the flag of the Sicilian Vespers and contains the motto “Animus Tuus Dominus”, used by the Sicilian rebels during the anti-Angevin revolution.
Kits
editThe Sicilia F.A. announced three football jerseys, all dedicated to the history of Sicily.[7]
- 1st: "Vèspiru": red and yellow with the emblem of the Sicilian Triskelion, in honour of the Sicilian Vespers (1282);
- 2nd: "Fidiricu": white with 4 red and yellow stripes and a Swabian eagle, in honour of the royal flag established by King Frederick III of Sicily in 1296;
- 3rd: "Ruggeru": blue with a red and white checkered stripe, in honour of the foundation of the Kingdom of Sicily by Roger II in 1130.
EYE Sport is the official kit supplier of the Sicily national football team.[11]
Fixtures and results
editThis is a list of results for the matches played since 2022, including friendly matches against full FIFA international teams and others against fellow representative teams which are not aligned to FIFA and against professional or amateur clubs.
Win Draw Loss Fixture
| 10 June 2022 Antudo Cup | Sicily | 4 – 1 | Sardinia | Mazara del Vallo, Italy |
| 18:45 | Ortisi  31'Savanarola 54'Bulevardi 57'Curiale 83' |
Report | 89' Bianco |
Stadium: Stadio Nino Vaccara Attendance: 2,000 Referee: Alessandro Angelo |
| 10 June 2023 Sikelia Cup | Sicily | 1 - 0 |  Corsica | Caltanissetta, Italy |
| 18:00 | Curiale 69' |
Report | Stadium: Stadio Marco Tomaselli Referee: Antonio Gabriel Haba |
| 23 May 2024 Corsica Cup | Sicily | 1 - 1 (3 - 4 p) |  Saint Martin | Corte, France |
| 19:00 | Saraniti 92' |
Report | 13' Segarel |
Stadium: Stade Santos Manfredi |
Managers
edit- 2022– : Giovanni Marchese
Players
editCurrent squad
editBelow is the list of players called by coach Giovanni Marchese for the Corsica Cup (22-25 May 2024). Caps, goals and numbers as per 25 May 2024.[12]
| No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GK | Gaetano Dolenti | 16 May 1991 | 3 | 0 | Sancataldese
|
| 12 | GK | Giuseppe Polizzi | 20 December 1991 | 1 | 0 | San Giorgio Piana
|
| 2 | DF | Damiano Lia | 25 November 1997 | 3 | 0 | Messina
|
| 3 | DF | Andrea Ferrigno | 12 October 1989 | 1 | 0 | Igea Virtus
|
| 4 | DF | Salvatore Tosto | 11 February 1997 | 2 | 0 | Enna
|
| 5 | DF | Giuseppe Zappalà | 28 May 1990 | 1 | 0 | Enna
|
| 6 | DF | Simone Brugaletta | 19 January 1994 | 4 | 0 |  Santa Maria Cilento
|
| 17 | DF | Alessio Asero | 10 November 2000 | 2 | 0 | Paternò
|
| 18 | DF | Salvatore Mollica | 29 September 2000 | 3 | 0 | Paternò
|
| 22 | DF | Giuseppe Filì | 4 November 2002 | 0 | 0 | Vastogirardi
|
| 23 | DF | Rosario Licata | 16 January 1989 | 3 | 0 | Mazara 46
|
| 8 | MF | Giorgio Tumbarello | 20 April 1996 | 2 | 0 | Lucchese
|
| 13 | MF | Riccardo Correnti | 24 February 2001 | 0 | 0 | Sancataldese
|
| 15 | MF | Nino Garofalo | 6 December 2001 | 1 | 0 | Milazzo
|
| 19 | MF | Francesco Giunta | 19 March 1999 | 2 | 0 | Messina
|
| 20 | MF | Salvatore Cocimano | 27 September 1990 | 2 | 0 | Enna
|
| 24 | MF | Enrico Giannone | 23 June 2004 | 0 | 0 | Licata
|
| 7 | FW | Antonino Musso | 14 September 1999 | 2 | 0 | Bra
|
| 9 | FW | Andrea Saraniti | 23 July 1988 | 2 | 1 | Altamura
|
| 11 | FW | Davis Curiale | 30 December 1987 | 4 | 2 | Terracina
|
| 14 | FW | Tommaso Bonanno | 3 August 1995 | 2 | 0 | Martina
|
| 16 | FW | Vincenzo Vitale | 26 November 2000 | 1 | 0 | Varesina
|
| 21 | FW | Giuliano Alma | 27 July 1993 | 2 | 1 | Siracusa
|
Recent call-ups
editThe following players have also been called up for the team recently and are still available for selection, this section is updated in June 2023.
| Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Federico Valenti | 6 June 1993 | 1 | 0 | Sancataldese
|
vs. Sardinia, 10 June 2022
|
| DF | Valerio Genesio | 28 April 1987 | 1 | 0 | Mazarese
|
vs. Sardinia, 10 June 2022
|
| DF | Salvatore Mollica | 1 January 2000 | 1 | 0 | Acireale
|
vs. Sardinia, 10 June 2022
|
| MF | Danilo Bulevardi | 31 January 1995 | 1 | 1 | Gubbio
|
vs. Sardinia, 10 June 2022
|
| MF | Salvatore Cocimano | 27 July 1990 | 1 | 0 | Giarre
|
vs. Sardinia, 10 June 2022
|
| MF | Francesco Corso | 27 November 1997 | 1 | 0 | Mazarese
|
vs. Sardinia, 10 June 2022
|
| MF | Mattia Tumminelli | 12 August 1997 | 1 | 0 | Acireale
|
vs. Sardinia, 10 June 2022
|
| FW | Pasqualino Ortisi | 24 April 2002 | 1 | 1 | Fidelis Andria
|
vs. Sardinia, 10 June 2022
|
| FW | Giuseppe Savonarola | 10 March 1986 | 1 | 1 | Acireale
|
vs. Sardinia, 10 June 2022
|
| FW | Alessio Rizzo | 3 October 1998 | 1 | 0 | Paternò
|
vs. Sardinia, 10 June 2022
|
| FW | Mattia Retucci | 6 December 2000 | 1 | 0 | Nissa
|
vs. Sardinia, 10 June 2022
|
Individual records
editAs per 25 May 2024
|
|
Anthem
editThe Sicilia F.A. ha chosen as official anthem the cabaletta Suoni la tromba from I puritani (1835) by Vincenzo Bellini.[13]
Media partners
editA partnership between the Sicilia F.A. and the football TV WeSport.it was announced through the social media on 2 June 2021.
Management and Staff
edit| Position | Staff |
|---|---|
| President | Salvatore Mangano |
| Honorary President | Pietro Cannistrà |
| Vice-president | Angelo Priolo |
| General Manager | Alberto L'Episcopo |
| General Secretary | Fabio Petrucci |
| Treasurer | Giuseppe D'Andrea |
| General Consultant | Mario Bonsignore |
| Head of the Sporting Area | Antonio Emma |
| Team Manager | Ivano Vetere |
| Head of Communication | Antonio Caroè |
| Publicist | Tiziana Albanese |
| Head of International Relations | Mario Trabucco della Torretta |
| Ambassadors | Giovanni Privitera (France) Mario Trabucco della Torretta (Great Britain) |
Competitive record
editChampions Runners-up Third place Hosts
CONIFA No Limits Mediterranean Futsal Cup
edit| Year | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CONIFA No Limits Mediterranean Futsal Cup | |||||||
| 2021
|
4th | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Total | 0 Titles | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 |
CONIFA European Football Cup
edit| Year | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ConIFA European Football Cup | |||||||
 2022 |
Cancelled | ||||||
 2023 |
Cancelled | ||||||
| Total | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Antudo Cup
edit| Year | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antudo Cup | |||||||
| 2022
|
1st | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
| Total | 1 Titles | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
Sikelia Cup
edit| Year | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sikelia Cup | |||||||
| 2023
|
1st | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 1 Titles | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Corsica Cup
edit| Year | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corsica Cup | |||||||
| 2024
|
3rd | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 0 Titles | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.
Honours
edit- Antudo Cup
- Winners (1): 2022
- Sikelia Cup
- Winners (1): 2023
- Corsica Cup
- Third place (1): 2024
| Competition |  |
 |
 |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antudo Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Sikelia Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Corsica Cup | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ Local selection of foreign amateur players in Sicily
- ^ "Nazionale di calcio siciliana" (in Italian). L'Altra Sicilia. 12 August 2003. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
- ^ "Una nazionale di calcio siciliana. Che ne pensate?" (in Italian). BlogSicilia. 21 June 2010. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
- ^ "Una nazionale di calcio della Sicilia? C'è la proposta degli indipendentisti" (in Italian). goal.com. 12 October 2017. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
- ^ a b "Nazionale siciliana di calcio, l'idea parte da Messina. Ecco i primi nomi" (in Italian). Gazzetta del Sud. 4 May 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
- ^ a b "Nasce la Nazionale di calcio della Sicilia: i giocatori che potrebbero farne parte" (in Italian). calciopolis.it. 11 May 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
- ^ a b "Nazionale di calcio della Sicilia, l'idea tenta il decollo: contest per il logo ufficiale" (in Italian). Palermo Today. 11 May 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
- ^ "CONIFA welcomes the Sicilia Football Association". CONIFA official website. 9 July 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
- ^ "CONIFA makes history with No Limits Mediterranean Futsal Cup". CONIFA official website. 27 August 2021. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
- ^ "LA NAZIONALE SICILIANA DICE ADDIO A CONIFA: SCIOLTA L'ADESIONE ALL'ORGANIZZAZIONE". 18 October 2023.
- ^ "EYE Sport partner tecnico della Nazionale Siciliana" (in Italian). EYE Sport official website. 20 August 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
- ^ "Elenco dei convocati [...] della Nazionale Siciliana". 18 May 2024.
- ^ "Nazionale Siciliana: "Suoni la tromba" di Bellini é l'inno ufficiale" (in Italian). WeSport official website. 3 September 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
External links
edit- (in Italian) Sicilia FA official website
- (in Italian) Sicilia FA Instagram Page
- (in Italian) Sicilia FA Twitter Page
- (in Italian) Sicilia FA Youtube Page