The Italy U18s picked up their first home win of the season with a performance that showed their character and determination. In Novarello, they beat Switzerland 2-1 in the first of two scheduled friendlies. The Azzurrini went ahead in the 13th minute thanks to Federico Coletta, Roma midfielder. Jan Uebersax, Young Boys keeper, prevented us from doubling the lead in the 28th minute as he saved the penalty from Empoli forward Andrea Orlandi. With just ten minutes to go until the break, the Swiss side went level through Max Corbon, Marseille midfielder. In the second half, right before the end of the game, Daniele Franceschini’s side retook the lead thanks to Coletta’s second goal.

The Azzurrini Coach: “It wasn’t an easy game because they are a good side. We have made notable steps forward, especially in terms of attitude. We managed to win because we played as a team, from the first to the last, always trying to play the game”.

The Azzurrini will play Switzerland again on Sunday at 11:00 CET at the Stadio Vittore Anessi in Gavirate (VA). Franceschini: “The aim is still for the lads to grow through garnering international experience. For this reason, in the next game, I will field a completely different XI. This is a big group and whoever plays has the chance and duty to honour the Azzurri shirt, keeping it close to heart”.

ITALY 2-1 SWITZERLAND

Italy (4-3-1-2): Pessina; Colombo, Trabucchi, Verde, Cama; Coletta, Mantini, Di Nunzio ©; Della Rovere (Bono); Michieletto (Chiricallo), Orlandi (Crimaldi). Subs.: Vannucchi (P), Cappelletti, De Luca, Bertaccini, Panico, Arduini, Lauricella, Pellini. Coach: Daniele Franceschini.

Switzerland (3-4-2-1): Uebersax; Kospo (Bein), Stork (Damnjanović), Ademi (Williamson); Etoski, Corbon (Zimmermann), Rufener © (Tairi), Volken (Akahomen); Kabashi (Mardochée), Aguilar (Mahar); Vasovic (Cakolli). Subs: Huwiler (P), Hoch (P). Coach: Ilija Borenović.

Goalscorers: 13' Coletta (I), 37' Corbon (S), 89' Coletta (I).

Referee: Giovanni Moro (ITA). Assistants: Marco Barlocco (ITA) and Andrea Colitti (ITA). Fourth official: Giuseppe Pasquariello (ITA).

Notes: booked Di Nunzio (I), Verde (I), Cakolli (S).