The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) has announced that the Italian city in the heart of Tuscany’s Maremma region will stage the event on September 2 and 3. 

Fattoria La Principina has been selected as the venue having played host to the 2021 European Youth Flag Football Championships.

Italy will hope to make home advantage count again as they look to defend their under-17 boys and girls titles.

They also came out on top in the under-15 boys tournament, while Slovenia won the girls crown.

This year will see mixed-gender teams contest the under-15 event - a move that the IFAF claims reflects the inclusivity of flag football.

"It’s a great pleasure to be returning to Italy with the support of our fantastic partners at the FIDAF [Italian Federation of American Football] for this event, which continues to grow in numbers and competitiveness year-on-year," said IFAF President Pierre Trochet.

"In 2023 these Championships will make history, with the introduction of mixed gender competition at continental youth level representing another exciting development for our sport as we look to enhance our offer in line with the interests and expectations of new generations of young people.

"It promises to be an unmissable event in a year when IFAF’s global flag football calendar sees significant expansion."

Giovanni Malagò, President of the Italian National Olympic Committee, admitted he was "extremely pleased" to see Italy awarded "another marquee international event".

"I would like to congratulate the FIDAF for its continued hard work in promoting flag football, one of the world’s fastest growing sports, with exciting prospects for the future,” said Malagò.

FIDAF President, Leoluca Orlando added: "We are delighted and proud to be hosting a European event in our country again.

"Italy is recognised as one of the top countries in this sport and it will be thrilling for our young players to have the chance to defend the European title on home turf!

"I would like to thank IFAF for placing their trust in our Federation.

"I have every confidence that we are up to the task of organizing another top-flight event, now that we are finally free from the shadow of the pandemic which took such a toll on attendance figures in 2021.  

"Confirmation of Fattoria La Principina as the stage on which to set these European Championships reflects the desire of the IFAF and FIDAF to select facilities that can recreate the atmosphere of an Olympic Village and make it easier for players to mix and interact, thereby promoting the principles of inclusion, friendship, fair play and solidarity that our sport successfully conveys better than any other."