Lidl Azzurri

Pictured at the press conference: Roberto Mancini, Gabriele Gavina, Massimiliano Silvestri and Eduardo Tursi

Lidl Italia is taking to the field once more and placing fresh fruit and vegetables at the heart of an attacking formation after renewing its marketing partnership with the Italian national football team.

The new four-year deal, which will emphasise the freshness and quality of Lidl's products was confirmed yesterday in a press conference at the Azzurri's training centre in Coverciano, near Florence.

Present at the announcement were FIGC president Gabriele Gavina, Italian team manager Roberto Mancini, the new president of Lidl Italia Massimiliano Silvestri and the retailer's sales and marketing managing director Eduardo Tursi.

A new advertising campaign focusing on freshness and quality is due to begin next Tuesday 26 March, coinciding with the Italy's men's football team playing a UEFA European Championship qualifier against Liechtenstein.

It is understood the campaign will focus in particular on Lidl's fruit and vegetable offer and will feature Mancini himself.