Ciro Immobile, former striker of Juventus and Lazio, leads Italy U16

Ciro Immobile, former Juventus and Lazio striker, ended his playing career on August 14 and now takes on the role of delegation chief of the Italian U16 national team; the 57‑cap international scored 17 goals for Italy and looks forward to the upcoming matches.

Retirement and new role

The former footballer announced his farewell a month ago and shortly thereafter terminated his contract with the French Paris FC. Despite having a year left on his contract, he chose to take a new step off the pitch immediately.

The Italian football federation (FIGC) confirmed that Immobile is taking on the role of delegation chief for Italy U16 and that he will work together with head coach Giovanni Costantino.

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Experience and expectations

"It feels like the right moment to give something back to football," Immobile said in an official statement. He emphasized that working with young players is a "wonderful opportunity" and thanked President Malago for the trust.

Immobile was a 57‑cap international, scored 17 times for the national team and won Euro 2021 in England. At Lazio he played 340 matches, netted 207 goals and provided 55 assists. His club career totals 306 goals in 599 competitive matches.

His first matches with the U16 team are scheduled against Spain in a double‑header on Tuesday the 15th and Thursday the 17th of September in Coverciano, an important first step in his new role.