The Under-16 National Team lost 2-0 to the Czech Republic in the first of the two friendlies scheduled at the CPO in Tirrenia. Despite their attempts to take the game to their opponents, the Azzurrini were unable to score and conceded either side of half-time. Viktoria Plezn forward Adam Novak opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a strike into the top corner, while Vojtech Polak then sealed the win in stoppage time on the counter. The second match of the double-header will take place at 11:00 CET on Thursday.

Head Coach Daniele Zoratto had the following to say after the game: “I’m not happy with the result. We played well and always tried to control the game, but the Czech Republic did better with their opportunities. We were missing the final finish, and they made the most of their chances.” Ahead of the game on Thursday, Zoratto added: “We’ll continue to work hard, analysing our mistakes and trying to correct them. I want to see a side that shows even more intensity in trying to implement our game plane and in terms of character. We need to be more determined, especially in front of goal.”

Squad list

Goalkeepers: Alessandro Longoni (Milan), Renato Widmer D'Autilia (Bologna);
Defenders: Leonardo Noah Bovio (Inter), Cristian Costabile (Sassuolo), Thomas Lissi (Inter), Mattia Marello (Udinese), Andrea Natali (Barcellona), Lamberto Peletti (Inter), Luca Reggiani (Sassuolo), Samuele Tavanti (Empoli);
Midfielders: Cristian Acatullo (Sassuolo), Cristian Bagordo (Empoli), Oliver Blini (Empoli), Christian Comotto (Milan), Pietro La Torre (Inter), Simone Lontani (Milan), Andrea Luongo (Torino), Danilo Treffiletti (Monza);
Forwards: Thomas Campaniello (Empoli), Cristian Carrara (Inter), Kevin Vitale Moressa (Inter), Samuele Inácio (Atalanta).

Staff - Head Coach: Daniele Zoratto; Assistant Coach: Davide Cei; Goalkeeping Coach: Fabrizio Capodici; Fitness Coach: Luca Coppari; Match Analyst: Andrea Loiacono; Doctors: Sofia Calaciura Clarich and Attilio Romano; Nutritionist: Dennis Dell'Unto; Physiotherapist: Manolo Ruggiero; Secretaries: Fabio Ferappi and Giulio Massi.