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Luis de la Fuente visits Azzurrini on the eve of Spain vs. Italy
14 January 2025
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
The U19s fell to a 1-0 friendly defeat to Spain at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas in their opening match of 2025. In a prelude to the Euro qualifying clash between the sides on 22 March, Spain scored a stoppage-time winner through Las Palmas striker Arturo Rodríguez, who finished off a fantastic back-heel assist from Gonzalo Pastor.
“We’re disappointed because we conceded in the 91st minute when the match seemed to be heading to a draw. However, beyond the result, it was an excellent test for the lads, who gave absolutely everything. We struggled at times in the first half, but this can also be put down to how well our opponents played. After the restart, we were more compact and came close to scoring on several occasions.” The Azzurrini will face Spain in Group 5 in the elite round of Euro qualifying, which is scheduled between 19 and 25 March: “I’d like to go into the next qualification phase with a full squad in the best possible physical condition because it’s a very tough group. However, I’m sure we’ll give everything and fight hard.”