Teenage trio to be taught the Italian way

After plucking its national coach from Italy, China is now sending three lucky youngsters in the opposite direction to reap the benefits of the European country's soccer expertise.

The Chinese Football Association has teamed up with Italian menswear brand Ermenegildo Zegna to fly three Chinese teenagers, handpicked by China's national team coach Marcello Lippi, to Rome in July to train at the renowned Reset Academy.

The 15-day program is entitled the Rising Star Initiative.

The three players, Li Jiawei, Huang Zihao and Wen Jialong, will have their individual skills and understanding of the sport improved through tailor-made training programs at the academy, according to the CFA.

The whole journey will be documented in a Zegna-produced film in a bid to inspire more Chinese kids.

"China is a very important market for us, we are very happy for this collaboration between Zegna and CFA team China," said Gildo Zegna, the group's chief executive officer.

"Zegna has also supported young talent all over the world for many years. It's our honor to work with Lippi to join the Rising Star, which is a very noble project."

Lippi, who led Italy to the 2006 World Cup title, was appointed China's coach in 2016, having displayed his pedigree here by leading Guangzhou Evergrande to three Chinese Super League titles and one AFC Champions League crown between 2012 and 2014.

The 70-year-old reckons the Rising Star project is an important addition to China's soccer education.

"Youth training has always been at the center of soccer development in Italy," he said. "This overseas trip to Italy will be a very helpful experience for these young Chinese players as they will learn how to improve as professionals. I hope they enjoy the 15 days in Italy."

Qi Jun, director of the CFA's competition division, said the partnership "underscores Zegna's commitment to supporting the long-term development of Chinese soccer".

"Going forward, the CFA will explore a closer partnership with Zegna to empower the China men's national soccer team," he added.

In August 2016, Zegna signed a partnership with CFA to design and provide official off-field outfits for China's senior and under-23 squads through Jan 31, 2020.