Francesco Camarda, the only 2008-born player in the competition and three years younger than his peers, who was named the best player at last June's U17 European Championship in Cyprus, makes a standout debut as a starter at the U19 EURO. Coach Corradi selects him for the match against Northern Ireland, and the AC Milan talent rewards the choice with a brace, one goal showcasing power and skill, the other a classic striker’s finish. Italy secures a 3-0 victory, bolstered by Kevin Zeroli’s stunning 1-0 goal. This win guarantees the Azzurrini top spot in their group with a game to spare. Next, they play Ukraine on Sunday, a game to be screened live on RaiPlay). The win ensures their place in the European semifinals and thus qualifying for the U20 World Cup in Chile in 2025. It’s a significant achievement for FIGC, marking Italy’s fourth consecutive participation in the tournament.

CORRADI. Bernardo Corradi also celebrates the milestone, commenting after the match: “We played an excellent game. The artificial pitch, made faster by the rain, suited our style of keeping the ball on the ground. We aim to give all players some game time, and being already qualified lets us make a few changes. I’m fortunate to have a deep squad; I’ve never faced such a challenge in selecting the starting eleven. It’s a good problem to have: this is a great group that supports each other, and that really makes a difference.” Corradi also reflects on the dual qualification (semifinals and World Cup): “This is a major achievement for the Federation and beneficial for the entire movement. We’ve reached our initial goal and are thrilled. We told the players that to reach great heights, you need a clear plan, but it’s crucial not to forget where you started, and that’s exactly what they’re doing".

THE MATCH. Corradi made two adjustments from the Norway game: Mannini came in as the right-back for Magni, and Camarda started alongside Pafundi in attack, replacing Ebone. From the outset, Italy dominated, with Northern Ireland defending compactly in a 5-4-1 formation. Italy pressed forward, and in the fifteenth minute, Kevin Zeroli scored his second goal in two matches, giving Italy the lead. AC Milan's talent received a ball in the penalty area, set up by a header from Ciammaglichella, and struck decisively with his right foot to make it 1-0. Four minutes later, Italy nearly doubled their lead. A well-worked move from left to right saw Zeroli pass to Ciammaglichella, who was stopped in the penalty area by a last-ditch challenge from Goodman. In the 26', Goodman almost equalised. In a scramble in the box, the Northern Irish defender got off a close-range shot, but Marin made a superb save with his foot. After this scare, Italy resumed their attack on the left wing. Zeroli controlled the ball well and found Bartesaghi, whose cross was met by Di Maggio, but Inter’s right-winger was denied by a low save from Charles. In the second minute of stoppage time, Camarda’s attacking flair took centre stage. Pouncing on Briggs' weak backpass, the 2008-born player swiftly entered the penalty area and coolly slotted a right-footed shot into the far corner, making it 2-0 at half-time.

SECOND HALF. At the start of the second half, Corradi replaced the booked Ciammaglichella with Magni and moved Mannini up to a central midfield role. The adjustment proved effective almost immediately: in the 48', Mannini, now in his new position, linked up with Magni on the flank. Magni's cross found the unmarked Camarda, who scored to make it 3-0 and completed his brace. The rest of the second half progressed smoothly, with Italy controlling the tempo of the game. They came close to adding a fourth goal with a free kick from Pafundi on 60'. Marin remained largely untroubled in goal, except for a diving save in the 83' to deny a well-placed diagonal shot from substitute Graham. Italy had another chance to score, but Sia, who had come on for Camarda on 71', fired just over the crossbar after receiving a pass from Pafundi.

NORTHERN IRELAND 0-3 ITALY (0-2 ht)

Northern Ireland: Charles, Barr, Briggs, Goodman (64’ Atcheson), Lennon, Thompson, Stitt (76’ A. Doherty), Mcclure (64’ Trickett), J. Doherty, Morrison (76’ Smith), Evans (55’ Graham). Unused subs: Munn, Hamilton, McCallion, Glenfield. Coach: Mcauley

Italia: Marin, Mannini, Mane, Chiarodia, Bartesaghi, Ciammaglichella (46’ Magni), Lipani (64’ Anghelè), Di Maggio (55’ Harder), Zeroli (55’ Romano), Pafundi, Camarda (71’ Sia). Unused subs: Magro, Ebone, Corradi, Pagnucco. Coach: Corradi

Goals: 15’pt Zeroli (IT), 45’+2 e 48’ Camarda (IT)

Referee: Ishmael Barbara; Assistants: Duncan Spencer and Dyon Fikkert; Fourth official: Sander van der Eijk 

Note: Bookings Ciammaglichella (IT) and Mcclure (IR); Spectators: 2003.

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 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

Table after Matchday 2
Gruppo A: Italy 6, Ukraine 2, Northern Ireland and Norway 1

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