It finished 2-2 two days ago, and the U16s’ second friendly against their Swiss counterparts ended goalless today. Daniele Zoratto fielded a completely different side compared to the first encounter, thus giving plenty of new faces a chance to show what they could do. Chances were at a premium in the first half, although Agullar had a big opportunity to score for Switzerland on the 25-minute mark. In the second period, a host of substitutions were made and the Azzurrini looked more threatening in attack, with Mattia Mosconi and Diego Pisani (a goal ruled out for offside after 79 minutes) coming close to breaking the deadlock.

Daniele Zoratto had the following to say after the game: “I didn’t see a good performance in the first half. The second half was better and, due to a lack of focus and being slow to react, we failed to take some good opportunities. Nevertheless, I’m satisfied: the purpose of these friendlies is to have the chance to look at new players with a view to expanding our options. During this match, there were a few who showcased their talents.”

Squad list

Goalkeepers: Tommaso Vannucchi (Fiorentina), Alessandro Nunziante (Benevento);
Defenders: Federico Colombo (Milan), Edoardo Sturli (Fiorentina), Lorenzo Biagioni (Fiorentina), Christian Garofalo (Napoli), Alessandro Luchetti (Inter), Manuel Maffessoli (Atalanta), Cristian Cama (Roma), Jacopo Contarini (Juventus);
Midfielders: Alessandro Di Nunzio (Roma), Diego Pisani (Fiorentina), Andrea Orlandi (Empoli), Ernesto Perin (Milan), Niccolò Gariani (Atalanta), Martino Odero (Genoa), Mattia Liberali (Milan), Alessandro Olivieri (Empoli);
Forwards: Mattia Mosconi (Inter), Alex Castiello (Atalanta), Stefano Maiorana (Fiorentina), *Claudio Giardino (Juventus).

*called up in place of Francesco Castaldo (Bologna)

Staff. Head Coach, Daniele Zoratto; Assistant Coach: Davide Cei; Goalkeeping Coordinator: Gaetano Petrelli; Goalkeeper Coach: Fabrizio Capodici; Fitness Coach: Luca Coppari; Match analyst: Andrea Giovanni Loiacono; Doctors: Giorgio Liberati Petrucci and Sofia Calaciura Clarich; Physiotherapist: Alessandro Sferrella; Nutritionist: Vito Flavio Valletta; Secretary: Alessandro Lulli.