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Head coach Massimiliano Favo's U18s won with a convincing display of skill and spirit at the Gradski Stadion in Vrbovec, defeating their South Korean counterparts 3-0 on the first day of the international tournament, which runs in Croatia until September 9th.

The Azzurrini took the lead in the 39th minute through Inter Milano left-back Davide Sorino, before sealing the victory with a brace from Juventus winger Destiny Onoguekhan Elimoghale, born in 2009, in the 43rd and 53rd minutes.

"We struggled a bit with the weather and pitch conditions at the start of the match," the Italian coach said, "and even looked like conceding. We pushed forward immediately afterwards and, from that point on, created several chances, which allowed us to close the first half 2-0 up. In the second half, with several substitutions, we controlled the game before scoring the third goal. Overall, it was a good match, especially considering it was our first outing of the season."

Italy return to the pitch on Saturday 6th September (15:00 CEST) at the Nedelišće Stadium to face the United Arab Emirates. "In these matches," Favo added, "we will give all of the available players game time, in order to evaluate their skills ahead of the World Cup in Qatar (3-27 November)."

Italy's schedule:

Matchday 1 (Wednesday 3 September)

ITALY vs. South Korea 3-0

Matchday 2 (Saturday 6 September)

15:00: ITALY vs. United Arab Emirates, Nedelišće Stadium in Nedelišće

Matchday 3 (Tuesday 9 September)

11:00: Croatia vs. ITALY, Gradski Stadion in Vrbovec