Italy were defeated by Portugal during their Under-19 European Championship debut on Sunday, losing 3-0 at the Banants Stadium in Yerevan. Nunziata’s side initially held out for 20 minutes before eventually succumbing to the superior opposition.

Carmine Nunziata set his side out in a 4-3-2-1 formation, with a defence made up of Gavioli, Bellodi, Gozzi Iweru and Udogie. Ricci then teamed up with Fagioli, Portanova and Greco in midfield, while Piccoli and Salcedo were up front. Six of the players included in the starting line-up were born in 2001, while Hellas Verona’s Destiny Udogie, born in 2002, is the team’s youngest player at the competition.

As for the action, chances were few and far between during the opening 20 minutes, yet Felix Correia still provided the spark for the opposition. Come the 24th minute, Inter’s Eddie Salcedo had a great chance after linking up well with Fagioli, although he was prevented right at the last moment. Their Portuguese counterparts then responded, scoring the game’s opener through Soares Cardoso.

The half-time whistle was blown with the Azzurrini 1-0 down, although Correia inspired Portugal’s second just after the break. Ramos was the man with goal, although he had little to do after a fine assist from his teammate. Come the 50th minute Felix Correia found his goal, scoring comfortably past Carnesecchi to put his team 3-0 up.

As the game entered its latter stages, Fagioli tried to snatch a consolation for the Azzurrini although Celton Biai made the save. It was then Carnesecchi’s turn to keep the scoreline at bay, with the final whistle eventually blown to seal Portugal’s 3-0 win.

Italy will now look to redeem themselves against Armenia on Wednesday, who recently lost 4-1 to Spain during their opening fixture. This match at the Repubblican Stadium in Yerevan will be crucial for the Azzurrini, who must win to retain any hopes of qualifying.  

Italy 0-3 Portugal

Goalscorers: Soares Cardoso 28’, Ramos 46’, Felix Correia 51’

ITALY (4-3-1-2): Carnesecchi (C), Gavioli (Ferrarini 67’),  Bellodi, Gozzi Iweru, Udogie, Portanova, Ricci (Raspadori 62’), Greco (Nicolussi Caviglia 67’), Fagioli; Piccoli (Petrelli 86’), Salcedo (Merola 62’). Coach. Nunziata. Subs: Russo, Armini, Ferrarini, Corradi, Corbo, Merola.

PORTUGAL (4-3-3). Celton Biai, Tavares, Laureiro,  Soares Cardoso,  Tiago Lopes; Vitor Ferreira (C),  Diogo Capitao, Fabio Vieira; Felix Correia (Bandeira Silva 87’), Ramos Joao Mario. Coach. Ramos.  Subs: Meixedo, Costa, Costinha, Rodrigo Fernandes, Levi Faustino, Tiago Rodrigues, Gouveia, Pina Gomes.

Referee: Sergei Ivanov (RUS). Bookings: Tavares, Ferrarini, Ramos  Attendance: 2700