Maidenhead Italian FC. Back: Dale, Sweeney, Mirenda, Yorke, Zio, Erdal, Ferrario, DiPalo, Caradenti. Front: Lazzara, Veronesi (cpt), Sisi

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Maidenhead Italian FC have got their hands on another trophy after finishing third in an inaugural London tournament.

Under blue skies but in blustery conditions in Chiswick on Sunday, the Maidenhead Italian side produced a series of spirited performances to finish on the podium at the inaugural Trofeo MondoItaliano tournament.

Despite the tournament’s name, the event brought together teams with a rich blend of nationalities, with Maidenhead Italian FC fielding a squad composed entirely of players from the Maidenhead area.

It’s not the first time Maidenhead Italian FC have finished on the podium in a London tournament after the team secured bronze in the Inner-City World Cup event under manager Lorenzo Cavalcante.

He again led the team into Sunday’s matches in Chiswick, and a series of disciplined displays were enough for a place on the podium once again.

The team’s goals were scored by their captain Matteo Veronesi, Alex Ferrario, Giuseppe Caradenti, and Bradley Yorke.

Bradley’s selfless play and hard work also saw him claim the ‘Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

Team Co-ordinator and manager Lorenzo Cavalcante spoke of his pride at the team’s achievement, and their second third placed finish at a London tournament.

He said: "What makes me truly proud of this team is their commitment to each other and the joy with which they approach every tournament—representing with pride everything that is wonderful about being part of the Maidenhead community."

Afterwards the team returned home to celebrate their success in style with food and drinks at the Presto Pizzeria in Maidenhead.

The trophy is already in the club’s cabinet alongside the bronze medal they won from the Inner-City World Cup event.

High standards and a strong foundation have been set for future competitions.

Maidenhead Italian FC are sponsored by the Italian Continental Shop. They are always looking to recruit new players from the Maidenhead area and train twice a week at the Braywick Leisure Centre on Thursday evenings at 9pm and on Sunday mornings from 8am.

For more information, speak to Luigi and Massimo in the shop, call 01628 770110 or email: shop@italiancont.co.uk