On the Enzo Bearzot pitch at Coverciano, the Under-19 National Team fell to a 3-0 friendly defeat to Spain, the team the Azzurrini beat to progress to the European Championship final a few months ago.

The match, which was streamed live on figc.it, was even for long spells, but two Spanish counter-attacks in the second half gave Spain “a clear win that was, however, harsh on us”, as Head Coach Bernardo Corradi pointed out after the game.

“These are top-level games that put us in difficult situations where we have to find solutions,” Corradi continued. “We kept hold of the ball for long periods, but, having conceded twice on the counter after giving it away, it’s only normal for difficulties to arise with the added weight of the scoreline. However, these are the matches that give you an understanding of the very high level of European competition and help you grow.”

THE MATCH. Following a slip by Corradi, Spain had a chance to open the scoring after just three minutes: Balde went through on goal but was denied by Azzurrini goalkeeper Marin. A minute later, Gonzalez Perez stuck out a foot to keep out Anghelè’s low strike.

The early stages were very balanced, but the visitors took the lead in the 19th minute through Balde, who made no mistake after Spain had got the ball forward quickly.

After the restart, with Spain Head Coach Lana having changed his entire team at the break, the Azzurrini took control of the game. But just when it seemed like an Italy goal was on the horizon, the away side launched a counter that was led by Khellil and finished by Chikaoui with a deft lob. In the 80th minute, Spain countered again and, through Crespo, sealed a 3-0 victory.

ITALY 0-3 SPAIN

ITALY: Marin (63’ Magro); Palestra (55’ Turco), Stante (75’ Domanico), Corradi, Bartesaghi (55’ Idrissi); Ciammaglichella (55’ Parravicini), Ripani (55’ Harder), Di Maggio (63’ Mannini); Zeroli (55’ Romano); Pafundi (63’ Mistano), Anghelé (55’ Cissé). Head Coach: Corradi
SPAIN: Gonzalez Perez (46’ Martin Rodriguez); Bonar Franco (46’ Del Romo), Rufo Vidal (46’ Boullif), Dominguez Viloria (29’ Sanchez), Munoz Navas (46’ Crespo); Hernandez Romero (46’ Carvalho Vianna), Canales Urtasun (46’ Ramon Naveros), Martinez Moya (46’ Perea Cajiao); Sanchez Rey (46’ Chikhaoui), Diao Balde (46’ Khellil), Olabarrieta Capelo (46’ Boullon). Head Coach: Lana
REFEREE: Maccarini. Assistants: Piazzini and Linari. Fourth official: Nigro
GOALS: 19’ Balde, 68’ Chikaoui, 80’ Crespo
NOTE – Booked: Bartesaghi and Navas