The second and final friendly test for the Italy U17s ended in defeat against France in Clairefontaine. The Azzurrini, reigning European champions, lost 4-0 after being defeated 2-0 in the first friendly two days ago. The French side went ahead in the 5th minute with a goal from Quevily Rouen’s Ilan Assongo before doubling the lead in the 22nd minute through young Rennes talent Rennes Elias Legendre Quiñonez. In the second half, Italy went down to ten men in the 49th minute as Andrea Cullotta went off. Lionel Rouxel’s side put the game to bed with a brace from Auxerre midfielder Rudy Matondo, scoring in the 55th and 92nd minute.

Massimiliano Favo: “It’s not an easy game to comment on because up until the sending-off, we were putting in a good performance. After going a man down, we were forced to change our plans, opting for a different system which didn’t best align with the skills of our lads out there on the pitch (which didn’t include Jacopo Del Fabro or Cristian Galvano who caught the flu). We are disappointed by the result but we are aware that games like this are some of the most important tests where we can further assess our lads. In the good and the bad, we had answers, which is important ahead of the next round of European qualifiers (19 to 25 March in Croatia)”.