A great result for the Italy Under-19s, who drew 2-2 with Croatia in Čakovec in the last morning of this international friendly tournament. In part due to Germany’s 3-2 victory over England in the afternoon in Koprivnica, Italy clinched first place overall in the competition. The Azzurrini took the lead 51 minutes in with Roma’s Mattia Mannini breaking the deadlock. Croatia came back momentarily thanks to Dinamo Zagreb defender Marko Zebić and Osijek forward Filip Živković, scoring in the 53rd and 58th minute respectively. Italy’s goalkeeper Renato Bellucci from Roma was sent off after 57 minutes, reducing the team to ten men. Fiorentina’s Maat Daniel Caprini found the levelling goal in the 60th minute. 

Coach Alberto Bollini was satisfied: “Our objective this tournament was growth - giving the right playing time to all the boys. The match against Croatia was tough, especially in terms of mentality. We were slow to get our rhythm and flow started, but we were solid in not giving away chances at the back. In the second half, however, we played with conviction. Even with the numerical disadvantage after our goalkeeper got sent off, we reacted well to level. It was a very educational tournament in terms of Euros qualification. The overall first place is a testimony to the fantastic performances of the team.”