Not the start the National Under-16 team would have wanted in their UEFA Development Tournament opener, following a 2-1 defeat to tha hands of England in Spain. After taking the lead early on (seven minutes) through Juventus' Marco Tiozzo Pagio, the Azzurrini suffered an English fightback thanks to goals from Alejandro Gomes Rodríguez, in the 28th minute, and by Manchester United's Anglo-Russian Amir Ibragimov after the break (76 minutes).

"Unlike the two friendlies against Germany (3-0 and 5-0 defeats), the side played really well," Daniele Zoratto was keen to get across. "The boys played with pride and personality. Obviously, there is some regret because for long periods of the game we were better than England: we deserved a different outcome."

Italy, who will have a bye round due to Nigeria's withdrawal from the tournament - announced yesterday - will be back in action at the Pinatar Arena Football Center on Wednesday 17 April (11:00 CEST) against their Belgium counterparts, who did not play today: "We will definitely give everyone a runout," the Italian coach highlighted. "These events help the lads grow and gain experience at an international level".

UEFA Development Tournament

Matchday 1 (Friday 12 April)
England 2-1 ITALY, Pinatar Arena Football Center in San Pedro del Pinatar
Rest: Belgium

Classifica: England 3, Belgium and ITALY 0.

Matchday 2 (Monday 15 April)
17:00 CEST: England vs. Belgium, Pinatar Arena Football Center in San Pedro del Pinatar
Rest: ITALY

Matchday 3 (Wednesday 17 April)
Ore 11: ITALY vs. Belgium, Pinatar Arena Football Center in San Pedro del Pinatar
Rest: England