The journey of the National Under 16 team in the 'Val de Marne' tournament started in the best way: in Limeil Brévannes, Italy they came back to beat Belgium 2-1 (the same result as their last meeting with the Belgians), at the end of a very balanced match in which Daniele Zoratto's team went behind after seven minutes thanks to a great left-footed goal scored by Karetsas. In the second half it was two new arrivals who overturned the result: Alessandro Di Nunzio (Roma) scored the equalizer in the 73rd minute with a volley after a rebound, four minutes before the final whistle Stefano Maiorana clinched the winner (Fiorentina), firing the ball past goalkeeper Doucouré.

"Despite the early setback after a few minutes, I liked the attitude of the team, imposing its game and continuing to play the game unphased,'' Zoratto said. We faced a composed opponent with very fast and technical players, which led us to play a game of great intensity. And I'm very happy that the boys who came on during the game also contributed to this victory.

Italy, who last year finished the tournament in second place behind England, will be back on the pitch on Thursday 3 at 14.00 CET in Bry Sur Marne against Switzerland, and close with a 16.00 CET match on Saturday in Bonneuil Sur Marne against hosts France.

The tournament schedule:

Matchday 1 (1 November)
14.00 CET: Belgium 1-2 ITALY
16.00 CET: France 5-1 Switzerland
Standings: France 3 pts, ITALY 3; Belgium 0, Switzerland 0

Matchday 2 (3 November)
14.00 CET: Switzerland vs ITALY (Complexe Sportif des Maisons Rouges – Bry Sur Name)
16.00 CET: France vs Belgium (Complexe Sportif P. Deuleveult – Le Plessis Trevise)

Matchday 3 (5 November)
14.00 CET: Svizzera-Belgio (Complexe Sportif Léo Lagrange – Bonneuil Sur Marne)
16.00 CET: France vs ITALY (Complexe Sportif Léo Lagrange – Bonneuil Sur Marne)