Blonde hair, bright eyes and exceptional talent. Alessandro Di Nunzio, who plays in midfield for the U17s, is trying to follow in the footsteps of his idols, Totti and De Rossi (“two figures I look up to”). The Roma youngster, who shares the same birthday as his club, is looking to make history with the Under-17 National Team, who will face Portugal in the European Championship final at 19:30 CEST on Wednesday 5 June.

“I’m living the dream of every child who starts playing football,” said the midfielder. “Having the chance to be involved in such matches is a privilege.” It’s a privilege he’s earned thanks to the hard work he and his teammates have carried out on a daily basis: “We’ve arrived in the final because we’ve given absolutely everything in training and during matches, just like the Head Coach has always asked of us. I’m sure that, together, we’ll be able to achieve our objective.” Now, only Portugal, who came from behind to beat Serbia 3-2 in the other semi-final, stand in the way of the Azzurrini: “They’re obviously a great team; otherwise, they wouldn’t have reached this stage of the competition,” continued Di Nunzio. “We know all about their qualities, but we’re also aware of ours. We’re a special group and mustn’t set limits.” Just like Francesco Totti did in 1993, when Italy lost 1-0 to Poland, Di Nunzio is ready to take to the pitch in a European Championship final: “I often talk to Totti. He’s a great person and champion. His advice really helps me to deal with and avoid certain situations that can arise in this sport.”

Born in Rome on 21 April 2007, he started out at Olimpia at the age of five (“I still remember, as if it were today, when I went to buy the kit before my trial”). Two seasons later, he joined the youth sector of the team of his heart: Roma (“a dream”). During the season just gone, he made three appearances for Tuğberk Tanrıvermiş’s U18s and played 18 matches (one goal and one assist) for the U17s, who are coached by Gianluca Falsini (the same coach he played under for the U16s in 2022/23, at the end of which Roma were crowned Italian champions): “The fact I’ve been able to achieve what I have is thanks to the support of my family, especially my grandfather (Maurizio, Ed.). “He’s been vital and has made a lot of sacrifices for me. I want to make him proud.” And in two days, in Limassol, Di Nunzio will have another opportunity to do so.

UEFA European Under-17 Championship

Group Phase

Group A: Cyprus, Ukraine, Serbia and Czechia.
Group B: Denmark, Austria, Croatia and Wales.
Group C: ITALY, Sweden, Slovakia and Poland.
Group D: France, Portugal, Spain and England.

Group C schedule

Matchday 1 (Tuesday 21 May)
Slovakia 0-0 Sweden
ITALY 2-0 Poland

Matchday 2 (Friday 24 May)
ITALY 2-0 Slovakia
Sweden 2-2 Poland

Matchday 3 (Monday 27 May)
Sweden 1-2 ITALY
Poland 4-0 Slovakia

Table: ITALY 9 points, Poland 4, Sweden 2, Slovakia 1.

Knockout stages

Quarter-finals

Wednesday 29 May

Q1) Czechia 1-1 Denmark 1-1 (3-5 on penalties)
Q2) Austria 2-3 Serbia

Thursday 30 May

Q3) Italy 1-1 England (5-4 on penalties)
Q4) Portugal 2-1 Poland

Semi-finals (Sunday 2 June)

S1) Denmark 0-1 ITALY
S2) Serbia 2-3 Portugal

Final (Wednesday 5 June)

20:30 local time (19:30 CEST): ITALY vs. Portugal, Limassol Stadium in Limassol