Italy has successfully secured its place in the final eight-team tournament of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship. This achievement comes after a pivotal 1-1 draw against Turkey in their latest Elite Round match.
The encounter was a direct battle for the top position in Group 6, with both Italy and Turkey entering the game on six points, having previously led Hungary and Slovakia. The match concluded in a 1-1 stalemate; Samuele Inacio put Italy ahead, but Darvin Soylu netted an equalizer for Turkey. Despite the draw, the Azzurrini clinched first place in the group thanks to a superior goal difference of +6, significantly outperforming Turkey’s +2.
Under the leadership of Coach Alberto Bollini, the Italian squad had previously demonstrated their strength by securing decisive 3-0 victories against both Hungary and Slovakia in the Elite Round.
As group winners, Italy will now join the host nation, Wales, in the main tournament. The draw for this final stage is scheduled to take place in Wrexham on April 16th.
The European Under-19 Championship tournament itself is set to run from June 28th to July 11th. Beyond crowning the continental champions, this competition also serves as the qualification pathway for European teams aiming for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which will be held in Azerbaijan.
Italy boasts a proud history in this competition, having last won the European Under-19 Championship in 2023, adding to their earlier success in 2003.
Match Summary:
Turkey 1-1 Italy
Goals: Inacio (33′ – Italy), Soylu (62′ – Turkey)
Italy U19 Starting Lineup:
Pessina; Nardin, Reggiani, Natali, Cocchi; Coletta (Comotto 72′), Mantini, Liberali; Idele, Mosconi, Inacio
