Italy trip 'more than just football'

SUNDERLAND'S Under-21 lead coach Graeme Murty has outlined the importance of this week's preseason tour, as the club's U21 and U18 squads begin a seven-day training camp in northern Italy.

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The travelling group, which includes a mix of U16, U18 and U21 players, departed on Monday as preparations for the 2025/26 campaign step up. Over the week, the young Black Cats will face three tough fixtures against top-tier Italian opposition - taking on Hellas Verona U20 this evening, Atalanta U20 tomorrow and a mixed U18/U21 XI will face Parma U20 on Saturday.

Murty believes the trip offers far more than just minutes on the pitch, highlighting the value of shared experience, personal growth, and building strong group bonds ahead of the new season.