Here we go again, the UEFA Under-19 European Championship semifinal is once more Italy vs. Spain. Just like a year ago, the Azzurrini will face the Red Fury in a match that opens the doors to the final for the title. Italy is determined to defend the title they won in 2023, when Bollini's team defeated Spain in a thrilling 3-2 match in Malta. Vignato, Pisilli, and Lipani scored the goals that propelled Italy to the final against Portugal, one of the notable absentees in this final phase. Italy is still in the fight, clinging to the dream of a historic double, as Spain remains the only team to have won two consecutive editions since the competition was reformed in the 2001/2002 season (2006-2007 and 2011-2012). La Roja has dominated the competition, winning 8 of the 20 editions held so far.

CORRADI. In short, everything is set for a great semifinal: "There is the right amount of tension that brings the proper focus on match day," said Azzurrini coach Bernardo Corradi to Vivo Azzurro TV at the end of the final training session. "These past few days, we have focused more on the mental and tactical aspects than on physical training, because at this stage of the competition, there is little that can be done athletically. It is the nervous energy that helps to approach a big match like this with the right focus".

SPAIN. The Red Fury finished second in their group, winning their opener against Denmark (2-1) and drawing with both Türkiye and France (1-1 and 2-2). "This Spain team is somewhat different from the ones we used to face in the past. They are more direct, with a bit less ball possession, but they are still Spain." It's an intriguing challenge between the titleholders and the record winners: "I borrow the words of our head of delegation, Gianfranco Serioli, who spoke to the team yesterday with great calm, telling the boys that great champions, or at least those who want to become champions, can't wait to play an Italy v Spain match. If I could, I would change tomorrow to be able to take the field myself. What I hope is that they approach it with the calmness of those who have prepared and worked hard for over a month and that they play, with whatever happens during the game, whether positive or negative, with the right calmness to enjoy the moment and have fun. I would love to see them play with smiles on their faces. That would give me great satisfaction"

The full interview is available on Vivo Azzurro TV.

UEFA EURO UNDER-19

Group A: Northern Ireland (hosts), Norway, Italy (holders), Ukraine
Group B: Denmark, Türkiye, France, Spain

MATCHDAY 1

Group A, Monday 15 July
Italy 2-1 Norway | Seaview Stadium, Belfast
Northern Ireland 0-0 Ukraine | Inver Park, Larne

Group B, Tuesday 16 July
Denmark 1-2 Spain | Inver Park, Larne
France 2-1 Türkiye | Seaview Stadium, Belfast

MATCHDAY 2

Group A, Thursday 18 July
Norway 0-0 Ukraine | Seaview Stadium, Belfast
Northern Ireland 0-3 Italy | Inver Park, Larne

Group B, Friday 19 July
Denmark 2-4 France | Inver Park, Larne
Türkiye 1-1 Spain | Seaview Stadium, Belfast

MATCHDAY 3

Group A, Sunday 21 July
Norway 2-0 Northern Ireland | Seaview Stadium, Belfast
Ukraine 3-2 Italy | Inver Park, Larne

Group B, Monday 22 July
Türkiye 3-3 Denmark | Seaview Stadium, Belfast
Spain 2-2 France | Inver Park, Larne

Table after Matchday 3
Group A: Italy 6, Ukraine 5, Norway 4, Northern Ireland
Group B: France 7, Spain 5, Türkiye 2, Denmark 1

WORLD CUP UNDER-20 PLAYOFF

Thursday 25 July
Norway vs. Türkiye, 17:30 CEST | Seaview Stadium, Belfast

SEMI-FINALS*

Thursday 25 July

S1: Italy vs. Spain, 15:00 CEST | National Football Stadium a Windsor Park, Belfast
S2: France vs. Ukraine, 20:00 CEST | National Football Stadium a Windsor Park, Belfast

FINAL

Sunday 28 July
S1 winner vs. S2 winner, 20:00 CEST | National Football Stadium at Windsor Park, Belfast