Draw for Italy on their debut: 0-0 against Croatia in Koprivnica. Bollini: “The boys showed great commitment to the jersey.”
The Azzurrini, who came close with a late shot that hit the post thanks to Matteo Cocchi, drew with the Croatian hosts at City Stadium. On Saturday (5:00 p.m. CEST) they will face the German side.Wednesday, September 3, 2025
© figc.it
After the two friendly matches against Albania in Novarello, a convincing 4-1 win and a 1—1 draw, the Italy Under-19 team could only manage a 0-0 draw against their Croatian peers at the City Stadium in Koprivnica. This was the opening day of the non-round-robin four-team tournament (Czech Republic and Germany will play only two matches, as they will not face each other), scheduled to take place in Croatia until 9 September.
“This was the first away match with an almost entirely new group,” noted coach Alberto Bollini, “because we had nine players called up to the Under-20s (Cama, Emanuel, Idele, Iddrissou, Liberali, Mosconi, Natali, Nunziante, and Sala, as part of Club Italia’s strong collaborative spirit), not to mention the players who weren’t able to respond to the call because of injury. This was an opportunity to expand the squad, to integrate several new players as well as those returning to wear the Azzurri shirt after a period away. After a weak start, the boys improved as the match went on, creating several chances (including a shot from Coletta and a missed penalty) and even hitting the post in the final moments (Cocchi’s shot). I want to take this opportunity to congratulate them: they showed determination and commitment to the jersey with true Azzurri spirit, and excellent tactical balance, especially in the second half.”
The Azzurrini will return to the pitch on Saturday, 6 September at 17:00 CEST, once again at the City Stadium in Koprivnica, to face Germany. “We don’t have much time to experiment because we need to preserve the core of this group and carry it forward. The other, I’m referring to the new players and those returning to the national team, will have to make the most of the opportunities I give them in the upcoming matches.”
Schedule
Matchday 1 (Wednesday, 3 September)
Italy vs. Croatia 0-0
Matchday 2 (Saturday, 6 September)
15:00 CEST: Croatia vs. Czechia, Podturen Stadium, Podturen
17:00 CEST: Germany vs. ITALY, City Stadium, Koprivnica
Matchday 3 (Tuesday 9 September)
10:45 CEST: ITALY vs. Czechia, Podturen Stadium, Podturen
17:00 CEST: Croatia vs. Germany, City Stadium, Koprivnica
