Nazionale U16

Neumann and Maffessoli score as Italy and Germany draw 1-1

At the CPO in Tirrenia, the Azzurrini drew their second friendly against the Germans, with Mosconi missing a penalty in the second half. Zoratto: "This is a great group".

Monday, March 27, 2023

Neumann and Maffessoli score as Italy and Germany draw 1-1

The second friendly match between the National Under 16s and Germany ended 1-1, the same result as the first match played on Friday at Coverciano. The opening goal was scored by Atalanta defender Manuel Maffessoli, before Neumann got a second half equaliser for the Germans, before Mattia Mosconi failed to convert from the spot in the dying minutes.

"It was an excellent draw," commented coach Daniele Zoratto, "because the team we faced was strong, intense, aggressive and with quality. We played both matches with good intensity and technically and tactically we did well in the build-up phases: the team reacted very well. Considering that there are already some boys in the Under-17s, who could also be part of the squad, I feel I can say that this is a great group."

The Azzurrini will be back out on the pitch on 18 and 20 April to face Hungary in a pair of friendlies. "They will be two more matches that will be useful for the boys to gain experience," says Zoratto, “and to accumulate minutes and get used to the intensity of the international camp. We hope, then, to find other players who can improve this group further."