MANILA, Philippines -- THE Philippines and Italy celebrated their bilateral friendship through a successful exhibition match dubbed the 'Philippines-Italy Friendship Cup 2024' at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on June 4.

Italy's Ambassador to the Philippines Marco Clemente and Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Gutierrez joined forces to make the event possible.

The match also served as commemoration of the Italian Republic Day on June 2 and the Philippine Independence Day on June 12.

"We decided to organize a football event to celebrate the friendship between Italy and the Philippines, and I am glad that the Philippine Football Federation, through its president John Gutierrez, accepted my invitation," said Clemente.

"Football is the most popular international sport, and we hope that it will become the Filipino national sport," added Clemente, whose son Simone Samuele captained the Italy U20 team represented by select local players.

For Gutierrez, the match also served as a chance for the Philippine national U19 team in facing the country's select promising young players from different clubs and schools.

"Aside from commemorating the ties between Italy and the Philippines, which date back to the 1940s, we are able to highlight Filipino football culture and also give our emerging U19 National Team a chance to play against a formidable selection team," said Gutierrez.

"The skills and fortitude of our players were revealed as the game also showed the cooperation between the Philippines and Italy, all for the love of the beautiful game," said Gutierrez.

The event began with an exchange of pennants between Clemente and Gutierrez following the playing of the Philippines and Italy's national anthems.

An exciting match then ensued with the Philippine U19 team gaining the lead twice, 1-0 and 2-1, through the goals of Ryen Lim ('4) and Mark Christian Ricario that sandwiched Ramil Bation III's goal in the 18th minute.

Jed Francisco came through in the added time (90+6) to level the match and force a penalty shootout, where the Italy team, coached by Philippine men's national team midfielder Simon Greatwich, emerged victorious, 5-3.

Clemente and Gutierrez awarded the refereeing team, coaches and players with medals and trophies at the end of the match.

Around two thousand spectators, including members of public institutions and representatives of the diplomatic corps, attended the friendly, cheering with passion and respect. NIEL VICTOR C. MASOY