A single arc slices through the autumn sky. A powerful shot synchronizes every heartbeat in one moment. A high-five bridges mountains, oceans, and borders.
On the pitch of Renmin University today, sweat, laughter, spirited pursuit, and roaring cheers transformed the ground into a miniature "global village." Students from America, China and Italy gathered here through sports. This event served to strengthen the bonds among the three nations, collectively paving the way toward a future of shared promise.
The scene is set at the "ACE Cup" Football Friendship Match—a gathering that is more than just a game, uniting students from America, China and Italy on one field.
The ACE program, as the world’s pioneering triple bachelor program in Business Administration, was launched by Renmin University of China, LUISS University and George Washington University, with an aim to cultivate future global talents. The program stands as a dynamic model of international education collaboration, bridging the Pacific and the Mediterranean to connect Eastern and Western civilizations. In a vivid display of this spirit, students from the three universities were randomly drafted into two teams for a friendship football match. They met on the pitch of Renmin University of China, forging a new chapter of friendship in the name of the football game.
The event was attended by ZHANG Donggang, president of the council of Renmin University of China; Antonio Majocchi, Vice President of LUISS University; and LIU Jin, former Deputy Inspector General of the Ministry of Education and Vice President of the International University Sports Federation.
In his address, ZHANG Donggang stated that sports teach young people to respect and learn from one another, transforming distinct national characteristics into a driving force for noble and fair competition. He expressed his hope that students would foster friendship through football and strengthen bonds through competition. Looking ahead, he affirmed the university's commitment to working with its partners to deepen collaboration in talent development, refine the three-university mechanism for collaborative education, expand channels for youth exchanges and cultural dialogue. These efforts aim to solidify the foundation of friendship among the three nations and inject renewed youthful vitality into the building of a human community with a shared future.
"The mission of education lies not only in classrooms and academic research, but also inbuilding bridgesof communication and cooperation for students,fosteringfriendship, understanding, and team spirit," stated Antonio Majocchi. "It is trulyhearteningto see students from the three universitiesfighting side by sideon the pitch and encouraging each other. This is precisely the scenario we envisioned when the program was conceived — tobring togetherthe power of youth from three continents through educational collaboration andpromotemutual understanding and shared growth."
LIU Jin stated that the ACE Triple Degree Program represents an active exploration and successful paradigm of multilateral collaboration in cultivating future business leaders. The International University Sports Federation supports universities in promoting health initiatives on campus and sports exchanges, thereby fostering institutional development and the healthy growth of students. We look forward to seeing students pour their passion and youthful vitality into the competition arena, building bridges of friendship and collectively writing a remarkable chapter in the exchanges among youth from the three countries.
(ZHANG Donggang, Antonio Majocchi and LIU Jin jointly kicked off the match.）
（Representatives of the athletes from China, Italy, and the United States presented a jersey signed by all competitors to the attendees.）
The match ignited into a fierce contest from the very first whistle. Just two minutes into the game, the player wearing the red and blue No. 7 jersey seized an opportunity and scored a lightning-quick goal, securing a dream start for his team. Subsequently, the squad maintained sustained dominance on the pitch, thoroughly energizing their frontline through precise diagonal long balls and continuous off-the-ball runs. This strategy repeatedly breached the opponent's defensive line, allowing them to firmly grasp control of the match.
Facing relentless offensive pressure, the player in the white and red No. 9 jersey seized his opportunity and found the net with a precisely weighted through-ball in central midfield, pulling one back for his team.
In the second half, the tempo of the game intensified as both sides frequently transitioned between attack and defense. One team maintained highly efficient offensive execution, consistently extending their advantage through corner kicks, second-phase attacks from set-pieces, and individual dribbling breakthroughs. The other side capitalized on their sharp positional awareness in the penalty area and the individual quality of their forwards, repeatedly exploiting counterattacking opportunities to find the back of the net.
Football connects the world while the pitch unites three nations. On the field, exquisite passes and defensive tactics showcase the charm of athletic artistry; in the classroom, colliding inspirations and clashing perspectives crystallize the power of knowledge. Here, diverse languages engage in dialogue, fostering deeper understanding; different cultures find resonance, forging stronger bonds.
Renmin University of China will continue to expand and enhance international exchanges and cooperation, advancing the development of a global community of shared future by contributing the wisdom, voicing the perspectives, and dedicating the energy of youth.