After wins in the first two matches against Sweden (5-2) and Belgium (2-0), at the Estádio Municipal in Bragança the Under 16s national team won the UEFA Development Tournament in Portugal despite losing on penalties in the third and final game against the hosts. The goal scored at the death by Empoli midfielder Andrea Orlandi was decisive, allowing Italy to end regulation time level at 2-2. Francesco Castaldo's (Bologna) miss from the penalty spot gave Portugal the victory and two of the three points at stake, but Italy only needed one point to win their second trophy of the season, six months after their success in the Val de Marne Tournament.

"We finished the year in the best possible way," said coach Daniele Zoratto. "I am convinced that this group will be able to have a great season next year as well. I had never won two tournaments in the same season, the boys were very good and even today they showed character because getting a draw against a team like Portugal was not easy."

THE MATCH. The Azzurrini started the match in flying fashion, taking the lead after just two minutes from a corner kick thanks to Napoli defender Christian Garofalo. But Portugal reacted immediately and both of the hosts’ two goals came from set pieces, first finding the equalizer on 14' thanks to Miranda and seven minutes later, they took the lead through Cunha. In the second half, Italy piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser, which Orlandi found right at the death to earn a draw and victory in the tournament. From the penalty spot Cama (Roma), Gariani (Atalanta) and Perin (Milan) scored, while the post denied Castaldo. Portugal won the match, Italy went home with the trophy.

Results and the table from the UEFA Development Tournament

Matchday 1 (Thursday 4 May)

Sweden 2-5 ITALY

Portugal 1-2 Belgium

Matchday 2 (Saturday 6 May)

ITALY 2-0 Belgium

Portugal 3-0 Sweden

Matchday 3 (Tuesday 9 May)

Sweden 2-1 Belgium

Portugal 2-2 ITALY (5-3 pen.)

Table: ITALY 7 points, Portugal 5, Sweden and Belgium 3