The U16s produced a fantastic to performance to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to England, beat Belgium 3-1 and win the UEFA Development Tournament on goal difference. The Azzurrini took the lead after just two minutes through AC Milan player Simone Lontani, who then scored his second of the day 20 minutes later. Italy continued to attack and made it 3-0 on the half-hour mark through Empoli midfielder Oliver Blini, before Belgium pulled one back through Javier Bares Fernandez from the penalty spot just before half-time.

“We played really well, especially in the first half. In addition to the three goals, we created plenty of chances in the opening 45,” said the Head Coach. “We’re very happy because we’ve both won the tournament and given playing time to all the lads, thus allowing them to grow by gaining international experience – that’s the biggest victory.”

 

UEFA Development Tournament

Matchday one (Friday 12 April)
England 2-1 Italy

Matchday two (Monday 15 April)
England 1-2 Belgium

Matchday three (Wednesday 17 April)
ITALY 3-1 Belgium

Table: ITALY (+1), England (0) and Belgium (-1) 3 points.