The Under-18 National Team won the first of their two friendlies at Novarello today. Indeed, Daniele Franceschini’s side beat Austria 1-0 thanks to a fantastic goal from Genoa player Federico Accornero, who, in first-half stoppage time, scored with a fantastic right-footed strike that left the opposition goalkeeper with no chance. Before the winner, Mancini had missed a penalty for the Azzurrini.

The Head Coach had the following to say after the game: “We’re satisfied because the team are starting to develop an identity and a proactive mindset. There’s always room for improvement, especially in terms of our initial build-up play and passing, but the lads played really well against a tough side of international calibre that displayed intensity and determination. It wasn’t easy to respond head-on. Accornero’s goal was really nice, and he scored one as good as that against France. Federico has this in his locker. We’ll now carry on with our work, and those who didn’t get to play against Austria will be given an opportunity against Switzerland. All the players in this group are of a very similar standard: we’ll display the same playing principles and the same mentality.”

The U18s will return to action at 11:00 CEST on Monday, when they’ll take on Switzerland.

ITALY 1-0 AUSTRIA

ITALY (4-3-1-2): Mastrantonio; Missori, Stivanello, Regonesi, Bozzolan; Kumi (86’), Palella (70’ Amatucci), Ndour (57’ Maressa); Hasa; Mancini (86’ Raimondo), Accornero (70’ D'Andrea). Subs: Rizzo, Falasca, D'Alessio, Indragoli, Guarino, Pagano, Vignato. Head Coach: Franceschini.
AUSTRIA (4-3-1-2): Bignetti; Atiabou, Baidoo, Wimhofer (86’ Leopold), Pegam (70’ Zwicki); Wels (81’ Lang), Sattlberger (86’ Wisak), Bajlicz (70’ Tepecik); Kameri; Reischl, Ristanic (81’ Lieber). Subs: Jungwirth, Scheriner. Head Coach: Stadler.

Referee: Maggio (Italy). Assistants: Di Costa-El Filali (Italy). Fourth official: Bonacina (Italy)
Goal: 45’ Accornero
Note:  Wimhofer (A), Ristanic (A) and Hasa (I) booked