After their win in the first friendly, which they achieved thanks to Empoli midfielder Duccio Degli Innocenti’s 67th-minute goal, the Under-19 National Team were defeated in the second game of their double-header with Hungary, who ran out 3-1 winners in Telki. It’s a scoreline that isn’t a fair reflection of the Azzurrini’s solid performance.

In an even first half, the deadlock was broken in the 34th minute through Horvath’s acrobatic effort, while Gnonto failed to convert a good chance shortly afterwards. It seemed like an Italy goal was just a matter of time as Nunziata’s side controlled the early stages of the second half, but, in the 53rd minute, Rezic took advantage of a defensive error to double the hosts’ lead.

The Azzurrini kept coming forward and, 15 minutes from time, pulled one back through Empoli midfielder Tommaso Baldanzi. Italy then missed two glaring opportunities and were made to pay in added time as Nemeth netted Hungary’s third.