A big heart and a team effort: once again these were the main features for the Italy U20s team in their match against the hosts, Poland, as the Azzurrini qualified for the quarter-finals thanks to Pinamonti’s penalty. It was an accomplishment not to be taken for granted ahead of the tournament. It is a result of the hard work by a tenacious group in which some individuals stand out. It was keeper Plizzari’s turn today, who made at least three huge saves.

It was a tough encounter today inside a sold out Gdynia Stadium. Ahead of this Round of 16 match, Italy had beaten Mexico (2-1) and Ecuador (1-0) and drawn with Japan (0-0), winning their group (b) with 7 points. The two previous encounters against the Polish were positive for the Azzurrini, beating Poland in the qualifying rounds for the Euros and in the 8-Nation tournament.

Coach Nicolato could count on almost his entire squad today and opted once again for a 3-5-2 formation. Gabbia, Del Prato and Ranieri formed a defence trio ahead of keeper Plizzari. In midfield, Bellanova and Tripaldelli made their return on the wings, whilst Frattesi, Esposito and Pellegrini occupied the central midfield positions. Scamacca and Pinamonti played up top.

After an early mistake by Sobocinski, which was almost taken advantage of by Scamacca, the home side went on to create two chances with Zylla and Stanilewicz. However, the Azzurrini then began playing better with Pinamonti creating dangerous chances for Majecki. Shortly after, Italy score in the 37th minute. The referee spotted a hand ball in the box by Steczyk and awarderd the Azzurrini a penalty, after confirmation with VAR. Andrea Pinamonti proved to be ice cold from the spot as he chipped his penalty into the back of the net.
The Azzurrini were more confident after their lead and went close to scoring a second a few seconds before the break. Italy were not only playing with enthusiasm, but also with a lot of character and personality.

The Azzurrini began well in the second half as they controlled the game. Italy’s only demerit was not taking advantage of some dangerous counter attacks, allowing Poland to come back into the game during the final stages of the match. Only some late Plizzari heroics denied two Skoras attempts. Up the other end, Pinamonti wasted a huge chance in the 78th minute as he tried to beat the Polish keeper with another chipped effort. In the end, the Azzurrini managed to weather the storm despite being very tired and qualified for the quarter-finals.

It is another very important result accomplished by the U20s, who are among the World’s top eight sides. “We should have put the game to bed earlier,” commented Nicolato and he added: “We were very tired in the final stages of the game, but these lads have proved every day that you can count on them. We will now enjoy this win, then we’ll see who’re we playing against in the quarter-finals.”

Round of 16 schedule

Sunday 2 June

Italy 1-0 Poland

Colombia vs. New Zealand (20:30 CEST, Lodz Stadium)

Monday 3 June

Uruguay vs. Ecuador (17:30 CEST, Lublin Stadium)

Ukraine vs. Panama (17:30 CEST, Tychy Stadium)

Senegal vs. Nigeria (20:30 CEST, Lodz Stadium)

Tuesday 4 June

Japan vs. South Korea (17:30 CEST, Lublin Stadium)

France vs. USA (17:30 CEST, Bydgoszcz Stadium)

Argentina vs. Mali (20:30 CEST, Bielsko-Biala Stadium)