The Under 16s won their third and final game of the 'Val de Marne' tournament to lift the trophy. At Bonneuil Sur Marne, Daniele Zoratto's Azzurrini side beat the hosts, France, 3-2, giving them a better goal difference over Switzerland, who like Italy finished their tournament with six points.

Italy went ahead after 22 minutes thanks a penalty put away by Inter's Alessandro Ciardi. But they went behind after the break with two goals in five minutes through Ndiantou Mbitcha and Sternal, after 58 and 63 minutes. The Azzurrini though fought back and sealed it at the end: nine minutes before the end, Niccolò Gariani (Atalanta) headed home the equaliser, before Stefano Maiorana (Fiorentina) got the winner, after 85 minutes, with a well-struck shot, giving the French keeper no chance.

"It was a very tough game, and it makes it all the more satisfying to win it," - said the Azzurrini Head Coach. "We faced a very strong side, very athletic with two wide players that pushed forward a lot. In the first half, we played better than them, but we then struggled after the break. I must credit the lads though for finding the energy needed to fight back and bring home the trophy against some very prestigious and strong sides."

Schedule, results and standings from ‘Val de Marne’ tournament

Matchday 1 (1 November)
Belgium vs. ITALY 1-2
France vs. Switzerland 5-1

Matchday 2 (3 November)
Switzerland vs. ITALY 2-1
France vs. Belgium 0-0

Matchday 3 (5 November)
Switzerland vs. Belgium 1-0
France vs. ITALY 2-3

Final standings: ITALY (goal.diff +1) and Switzerland (goal.diff -2) 6 points; France 4; Belgium 1