Italy U18’s first friendly against Serbia in Novi Sad ends level. Italy took the lead in the seventh minute when Bologna striker Antonio Raimondo was brought down in the box; Monza’s Samuele Vignato stepped up and slotted home from the spot. After scoring, the Azzurrini dominated the game and were in the lead at the break. Seven minutes into the second half, Serbia struck. The ball bounced around the Azzurrini’s box and landed at the feet of Uroš Kabić, who – from just outside the box – rifled it in the corner of the net. Franceschi’s boys then looked to wrestle control back from the hosts and created various chances to restore their lead. It did, however, end 1-1.

Daniele Franceschini was satisfied after the game: “It was an even game,” he said, “even though, in the second half, we created a lot but couldn’t take our chances. It was a good performance from the lads. I had asked them – after the recent loss to the Netherlands – to play as a team and they gave a great response. We have the second friendly in two days and we want to end this trip on a high.”

The second friendly against Serbia kicks off at 11:00 CEST on Saturday 9 October at the Stadion Karađorđe in Novi Sad.