Fighting back after a tough first half, two assists from Pafundi, Di Maggio's runs, a bit of bad luck (hitting the bar twice at the start of the second half) and above all great togetherness, despite some difficulties: this is how the Azzurrini's afternoon in Belfast can be summed up, which saw the Under 19s begin their journey at the European Championship with a 2-1 win over Norway, kicking off the tournament with three big points. Next up are the hosts, Northern Ireland on Thursday at 20:00 CEST at Inver Park in Larne (live on RaiPlay).

CORRADI. At the end of the game, Bernardo Corradi was satisfied: “This is the European Championship, we knew the difficulties we were to encounter and for this reason it is an even bigger win. We played on a pitch that didn't reward our characteristics (small size, ed.) against a physical Norway side who managed to press us and cover well. We went behind, but I kept telling the lads to keep playing – it was one of the best reactions I've seen from this team. We've kicked off with a win and there was no better way to do it. Now, we have two more games to get through to the knockout stages. It will be another difficult match against Northern Ireland. We will have to play fewer long balls and keep the ball on the floor more to maximise best our characteristics."

THE GAME. Corradi lined up with a 4-3-1-2 formation, with Marin in goal and the central pairing of Chiarodia and Mane. Di Maggio was in the middle of the park, flanked by Ciammaglichella and Lipani, while Zeroli dropped in behind the central attacking pair of Pafundi and Ebone. Norway replied with a 4-1-4-1 formation (which in the defensive phase became a 5-4-1), with Braut as the lone striker and Helland acting deeper n the middle. After both teams studied each other early on, Italy built the best moves down the left, with the Bartesaghi and Di Maggio linking up well. In the 20th minute, after a foul on Ciammaglichella, Pafundi tried his luck with a free kick from 20 metres out, but the shot was saved by Børsheim. As the minutes passed, Norway started to contain and nullify the Azzurrini's possession-based football, and took the lead in the 35th minute through Braut's strike from the edge of the box, after stealing the ball back in midfield. Italy's response was immediate though: Bartesaghi sending in a cross from the left that found Pafundi, whose right-footed shot was deflected behind by Holten for a corner. Di Maggio also had an attempt in the 40th minute, but the Inter player's right-footed shot was too central. At the end of the first half, Pafundi realised he had to get into the game more and did just that by setting up Di Maggio with a delightful backheel, coming back onto his right foot, beatifully curled the ball home past Børsheim.

SECOND HALF. 1-1 at half time, the Azzurrini's start to the second half was positive, and inside two minutes they had hit the crossbar twice: first from Di Maggio, again with his right-footed shot from 20 meters for his second of the game, and then Pafundi's left-footed shot also hit the woodwork. The goal was in the air and came six minutes after the break to complete the turnaround: a Pafundi corner found Zeroli and he turned it home for 2-1. Norway tried to change the pack around, with Pimenta changing both wingers, sending Austbø to the left and Faraas to the right, while Corradi took off Ebone, Di Maggio and Lipani, and putting Anghelè, Mannini and Harder into the fray. The Scandinavians gave it their all: ten minutes from the end, Austbø had the best chance, but his effort on goal ended the wrong side of the post. In the 85th minute, Corradi also brought on Sia and Camarda, and first three points and win of the competition was brought home.

ITALY 2-1 NORWAY (HT: 1-1)

Italy: Marin; Bartesaghi, Chiarodia, Mane, Magni; Ciammaglichella (85' Camarda), Lipani (72' Harder), Di Maggio (72 Mannini); Zeroli; Pafundi (85' Sia), Ebone (63' Anghelè). Unused subs: Magro, Corradi, Pagnucco, Romano. Coach: Corradi

Norway: Børsheim; Andersen, Holten, Haram Røsten (85' Kjelsen); Helland; Bang-Kittilsen (57' Austbø), Hernes (80' Loftesnes-Bjune), Granaas, Pedersen (57' Faraas), Braut. Unused subs: Østraat, Gonstad, Auklend, Steinset. Coach: Pimenta

Goals: 35’ Braut (N), 45’ Di Maggio (I), 51' Zeroli (I)

Referee: Marian Barbu (ROU); Assistants: Mihai Marica (ROU), Benas Kikutis (LTU); Fourth official: Jamie Robinson (NIR)

Notes: Bookings Braut (N), Anghelè (I), Camarda, Harder and Marin (I); 1044 in attendance.

UEFA EURO UNDER-19

Group A: Northern Ireland (hosts), Norway, Italy (holders), Ukraine
Group B: Demark, 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 vs. Spain, 16:30 CEST | Inver Park, Larne
France vs. Türkiye, 20:00 CEST | Seaview Stadium, Belfast

MATCHDAY 2

Group A, Thursday 18 July
Norway vs. Ukraine, 16:30 CEST | Seaview Stadium, Belfast
Northern Ireland vs. Italy, 20:00 CEST | Inver Park, Larne

Group B, Friday 19 July
Denmark vs. France, 16:30 CEST | Inver Park, Larne
Türkiye vs Spain, 20:00 CEST | Seaview Stadium, Belfast

MATCHDAY 3

Group A, Sunday 21 July
Norway vs. Northern Ireland, 20:00 CEST | Seaview Stadium, Belfast
Ukraine vs. Italy, 20:00 CEST | Inver Park, Larne

Group B, Monday 22 July
Türkiye vs. Denmark, 20:00 CEST | Seaview Stadium, Belfast
Spain vs. France, 20:00 CEST | Inver Park, Larne

WORLD CUP UNDER-20 PLAY OFF

Thursday 25 July
3rd in Group A vs. 3rd in Group B, 17:30 CEST | Seaview Stadium, Belfast

SEMI-FINALS*

Thursday 25 July

S1: Winner of Group A vs. 2nd in Group B
S2: Winner of Group B vs. 2nd in Group A

*The matches will be played at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast at 15:00 and 20:00 CEST. The order of the semi-finals will be decided after the group stage.

FINAL

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