Brilliant show of strength from the Italy Under 19s, current European champions, to put the 3-0 defeat to Spain in January behind them and pick up the first victory of 2024. The Azzurrini beat Austria 3-0 at the Guigo Teghli in Lignano Sabbiadoro (one of the grounds to be used by Group 5 in the coming elite round games scheduled from 20 to 26 March in Friuli-Venezia Giulia) in front of circa 500 fans.

The Azzurrini went ahead in the 19th minute through Kevin Bruno, capable of capitalising on the low cross from Riyad Idrissi on the left, before doubling the lead in the 84th minute thanks to Giacomo Stabile who came on in the 58th minute for Francesco Stante. In the dying moments, 90+4, there was still time for a splendid individual action from Filippo Scotti who, after getting between two men, beat Austrian defender Benjamin Göschl (Rapid Vienna) with an accurate shot across the diagonal.

Bernardo Corradi emphasised: “We did well. Especially given that we were facing Austria who finished top of Group 12 in the first qualification round, when England was eliminated. As well as the two debutants (Amadori and Djankpata), we fielded various players born in 2006 (Magni, Pagnucco, Renato Bellucci, Scotti and Sia) and one born in 2007 (Pessina): it was almost an experimental Italy”. Many choices to be made, but that doesn’t scare the coach ahead of the second round of European qualifiers: “The squad has depth and it is part of my job to make decisions”. Finally, a word on the Stadio Guido Teghli in Lignano Sabbiadoro, which will host Italy's first and third matches in Group 5 of the elite phase against Scotland (Wednesday 20 March) and Georgia (Tuesday 26 March) respectively. Corradi is keen to say: " Spectacular ground and a very nice pitch. We were welcomed in the best possible way and we put in a good performance: there are the right conditions to do well."

Squad list

Goalkeepers: Renato Bellucci Marin (Roma), Massimo Pessina (Bologna);
Defenders: Christian Corradi (Hellas Verona), Riyad Idrissi (Cagliari), Raphael Kofler (Südtirol), Vittorio Magni (Milan), Mattia Mannini (Roma), Filippo Pagnucco (Juventus), Giacomo Stabile (Inter), Francesco Stante (Inter);
Midfielders: Kevin Bruno (Sassuolo), Aaron Ciammaglichella (Torino), Halid Djankpata (Everton), Jonas Harder (Fiorentina), Alberto Manzoni (Atalanta), Daniele Quieto (Inter);
Forwards: Nicolò Amadori (Cesena), Giulio Misitano (Roma), Filippo Scotti (Milan), Diego Sia (Milan).

Staff: Coach: Bernardo Corradi; Assistant Coach: Mirco Gasparetto; Youth National Teams Coordinator: Maurizio Viscidi; Athletic Trainer: Marco Montini; Goalkeeper Coach: Graziano Vinti; Match Analyst: Francesco Donzella; Medical Staff: Andrea Porcino and Paolo Manetti; Nutritionist: Micol Purrotti; Physiotherapists: Giuliano Gepponi and Tommaso Cannata; Secretary: Aldo Blessich.