After beating Poland 1-0 two days ago, the Azzurrini will face a Kosovo side who pretty much have to win in order to keep their qualifying hopes alive. On the other hand, Corradi’s side would take a big step towards the finals in Israel with a win. “We want to win all three of our matches and finish first,” said Inter midfielder Luca Di Maggio. If Italy finish top, they’ll join Israel, Germany and Luxembourg in Group A in the final tournament scheduled between 16 May to 1 June. Coming in second place, meanwhile, would mean facing France, the Netherlands (the current European champions) and Bulgaria in Group B, which would likely be a tougher task.  

Head Coach Bernardo Corradi will have to do without Torino midfielder Aaron Ciammaglichella, who has been forced to return to his club following a shoulder injury.

Luca Di Maggio was born in Milan 17 years ago. He developed a passion for the game thanks to his older brother, who took him to a local football school. “I scored a lot of goals, and both Milan and Inter were interested in me,” said Luca. Being an Inter fan, it was an easy choice, and he’s continued to progress through the Nerazzurri youth ranks. He’s scored eight goals in the Under-17 championship this year, and he’s now hoping to help his club side progress to the finals via the play-offs. A natural midfielder, he prefers the mezzala role, even if he can play as a defensive midfielder or as a trequartista. A selfless player, he gives everything while also displaying composure and quality. “I like getting on the ball and making things happen. I also like scoring, especially when I play on the left side of the pitch: I can cut inside from this position.”

After receiving his first Italy call-up from Patrizia Panico in 2019, he’s now part of Corradi’s Under-17 squad. He was involved in the team’s opening Elite Round match against Poland: “It was a tough match. They sat back and we needed to watch out for their counter-attacks, but we managed to win in the end.”

The presence of Roberto Mancini in the stands was exciting: “Yes, it was. However, when I’m on the pitch, I don’t think about anything else. I’m calm and remain focused on the game. Nevertheless, it was really nice of him and a clear sign of the attention that is being paid to us youngsters by the Federation.” Kosovo will be Italy’s opponents tomorrow: “It’ll be a difficult match: it’s a must-win for them and they’ll do everything to come out on top. If we achieve a positive result, we’ll have one foot in the finals. We’re a tight-knit group that can overcome difficulties through our character and the pride of wearing the Azzurri shirt.”

Schedule and standings

Wednesday 20 April

Italy 1-0 Poland

Kosovo 0-2 Ukraine

Standings. Ukraine, Italy 3 pts, Poland and Kosovo 0

Saturday 23 April

Ukraine vs. Poland at the Stadio Comunale Gino Manni in Colle di Val D’Elsa, 12:00 CEST

Italy vs. Kosovo at the Stadio Comunale Stefano Lotti in Poggibonsi, 15:00 CEST (direct stream available on the FIGC website)

Tuesday 26 April

Ukaine vs. Italy, Stadio Artemio Franchi in Siena, 15:00 CEST 

Poland vs. Kosovo, Stadio Comunale Gino Manni in Colle di Val D’Elsa, 15:00 CEST