There was to be no fairytale finish for One Touch FC at the 76th edition of the Viareggio Cup, as the Nigerian academy side bowed out in the semi-finals following a 2–0 defeat to ACF Fiorentina U-18 on Saturday.
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Coming into the clash with growing belief and momentum, the Abuja-based side had captured attention with their fearless attacking style and dominant displays in the knockout rounds. But against a well-drilled Fiorentina team, their journey came to a halt.
The Italians, who had already beaten One Touch FC in the group stage, once again proved a difficult hurdle, showing composure and efficiency to seal their place in the final.
It was a performance built on control and experience, denying the Nigerians the space and rhythm that had defined their previous games.
For One Touch FC, the defeat marked the end of an otherwise outstanding campaign.
They had lit up the tournament with a ruthless 9–0 thrashing of Athletic Club Palermo in the Round of 16, one of the biggest wins of the competition before following it up with a commanding 4–0 victory over Spezia in the quarter-finals.
Thirteen goals scored, none conceded — it was a statement of intent from a team that played with confidence and flair.
Yet, in a twist of fate, both of their losses in the tournament came against the same opposition, Fiorentina underlining just how decisive that matchup proved to be.
Elsewhere in the semi-finals, HNK Rijeka produced a dominant 3–0 win over Sassuolo to book their spot in the final, setting up a showdown with Fiorentina.
The final will take place on Monday, March 23, at the Stadio Bresciani in Viareggio, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 PM.
While the result brings disappointment, One Touch FC leave Italy with plenty of pride.
Their journey to the semi-finals, powered by exciting football and emphatic victories, has once again highlighted the depth of young talent emerging from Nigeria.
They may be out, but their impact on this year’s Viareggio Cup will not be forgotten anytime soon.
