une équipe de jeunes de LFc a rencontré une équipe de jeunes de la juve à côté de florence mercredi.
les italiens ont gagné 2-1.
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YOUNG REDS HELP HONOUR THE HEYSEL 39
Mark Platt 13 October 2005
The 39 victims of the 1985 Heysel Stadium disaster were remembered on Wednesday afternoon when the youth teams of Liverpool and Juventus met in a poignant friendly game.
In the town of Arezzo, near Florence, the two clubs' came together, once again, to share their sorrow 20 years after the tragic events in Brussels.
On what was an emotional occasion the Italian's ran out 2-1 winners but of greater importance was the message of reconciliation, friendship and hope for the future that this meeting sent out.
The game was arranged at the request of Mr Otello Lorentini, President of the Committee Against Violence In Sport and father of one of the victims, and agreed prior to the Champions League clash between Liverpool and Juventus in April.
The Liverpool delegation left John Lennon airport early on Tuesday morning and during their two-night stay in Italy they received wonderful hospitality from their hosts.
On Tuesday they were treated to a sightseeing tour, followed by a lavish banquet, which was attended by the players and officials of both clubs, including Anfield Chief Executive Rick Parry and his Juve counterpart Roberto Bettega.
On the morning of the game a church service was held in honour of the Heysel victims, at which the players of Liverpool, who proudly wore t-shirts sporting the slogan 'memoria e amicizia' (in memory and friendship), and Juventus mingled freely.
As for the game, everyone agreed afterwards that it was a great advert for football and friendship, which was played in a tremendous spirit.
Liverpool dominated the first half and took the lead with a well-taken goal from the in-form Adam Hammill, who chipped over the keeper following good play by Godwin Antwi.
The Reds continued to control proceedings and Godwin went close to increasing the leader with a header that was superbly saved by the opposition keeper.
The half-time break provided the hosts with a chance to change their tactics and they emerged for the second half in a much more positive frame of mind. With three quarters of the game gone, and Liverpool legs tiring, Juventus levelled before going on to snatch a late
winner.
Reds coach Hughie McAuley said: "The lads acquitted themselves really well and showed great enthusiasm. We scored early and managed to stay in front for most of the match but it had been a hectic 48 hours and understandably we tired towards the end.
"Nevertheless, it was a tremendous experience for everyone. It's not often that you get an opportunity to play such a prestigious game at this level and it was a very worthwhile exercise."
The general consensus at the end was that a draw would have been a fair result but the Liverpool players were warmly applauded off the field for their tremendous efforts. Shirts were swapped with the Juventus players and both teams received a trophy and medals to commemorate their participation in this special fixture.
Mr Lorentini was clearly moved by the whole occasion and shortly after the final whistle he told Liverpoolfc.tv: "On behalf of those who organised the match we thank Liverpool Football Club for coming here and making this event come true."
Overall, Liverpool's visit was well received and much appreciated. The players proved themselves to be great ambassadors for the club, both on and off the pitch, and although the game was lost many new friends were won.
Liverpool team: Willis, Raven (capt), Roque (Nardiello), O'Donnell, Smith, Guthrie, Hobbs, Peltier, Mannix, Hammill, Godwin. Unused subs - Lancaster, Woods, Frayne.
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