Italy's Under 17 National Team narrowly falls 1-0 in the first of two scheduled friendlies against France at Coverciano: it was an incident in the middle of the second half that decided the contest, with Salhi's cross turning into an unreachable shot at the far post, definitively breaking the deadlock.

"It was a good, intense game; fundamentally a match that could have ended in a draw," commented the coach of the Azzurrini, Massimiliano Favo, after the game, continuing, "The two teams faced each other openly, and unfortunately, the game was decided by a fortunate incident. We comment on a defeat, but I am pleased with the team's attitude, their desire, and the game they displayed on the field. Perhaps we missed some chances in front of goal, but these are matches that serve us in our growth path in view of the second qualifying phase."

Indeed, this double friendly against France (the second match will be played Thursday morning at 11:00 CET, still in Coverciano) is a prelude to the Elite Round, with the aim of securing a place in the final phase of the European Championships: in Finland, from 20 March to 26 March, the Azzurrini will face the hosts as well as Belgium and the Netherlands, hoping to earn a spot in Cyprus, where the final stages of the tournament will take place starting from 20 May.

The Match. Coming off another double friendly – in Spain, at the end of January – concluded with a draw and a prestigious victory, Italy started well under the watchful eyes in the stands not only of the Youth National Teams Coordinator, Maurizio Viscidi, but also of Head Coach Luciano Spalletti and the Under 21 National Team coach, Carmine Nunziata. Favo relies on the attacking duo of Camarda and Mosconi upfront, with Liberali providing support, ready to feed them. And it is Liberali, the number ten in blue, who is the most inspired among the home team, creating opportunities for a goal on a couple of occasions and forcing French goalkeeper Stawiecki into a remarkable save towards the end of the first half: at the 39th minute, the French goalkeeper comes out of his goal to block an Azzurri counterattack, but his clearance lands at midfield right at Liberali's feet. The Milan striker controls the ball and attempts a shot from the central area of the field, directing it under the crossbar; however, Stawiecki manages to retreat in time and stretch out his hand, despite the position directly facing the sun, avoiding a spectacular goal.

In the second half, France takes control of the game, showing more initiative, and in the 20th minute, the incident that decides the match occurs: Salhi, from the left flank, nearly level with the corner flag, attempts a low cross that turns into an unstoppable arc for Longoni, beating him at the far post. It is the goal that effectively seals the contest, handing the visitors the victory. Thursday morning will see a rematch with the second friendly between the two National Teams.

Italy 0-1 France

ITALY: Longoni, De Sant'Anna, Cama, Mantini, Maffessoli, Natali, Coletta, Di Nunzio, Camarda, Liberali, Mosconi.

Unused subs: Nunziante, Garofalo, Cappelletti, Maiorana, Nardin, Sala, Ciardi, Bellino, Colombo, Atzeni, Monaco. Coach: Favo

FRANCE: Stawiecki, Thebault, Sissoko, Sternal, Gadegbeku, Meite, Sellami, Angely, Camara, Bakola, Salhi.

Unused subs: Bienck, Gadou, Cabral, Kante, Kouakou, Chauvin, Sylla, Akabou, Detourbet, Said, Aissat. Coach: Alcocer

REFEREE: Barbetti. Assistants: Pascali and Guiducci. Fourth official: Tranchida

GOAL: 60’ Salhi                 

NOTES – Booked: Natali and Thebault. Added time: 45+2’ and 90+6’