The academy, which will open in September in Tirrenia, Tuscany, aims to bring together Italys most talented youngsters under the supervision of junior coach George Coste.

Dondi said: Our federation wants to confront a new challenge, to improve the level of our motivation and ambition.

The academy will allow our youngsters to work with dedication and discipline in the hope of their development to a high level.

It was deemed an important investment, from an economic point of view as well, that we decided to offer our emerging talents the possibility of working together in the best conditions where they can technically improve.

We expect to reap the rewards in three or four years, especially for the senior team.

Fundamental will be the experience of our youth supervisor George Coste, who is confronting this new adventure with his usual enthusiasm.

Dondi explained that Tirrenia was deliberately chosen as the FIRs preferred location.

The choice of Tirrenia is not by chance, but dictated by being in the neighbourhood of cities like Pisa and Livorno, he added.

He also calmed any fears that youngsters may have to give up their academic studies if selected for the academy, saying: The athletes who participate in the project will have the possibility and all the means to continue their academic courses.