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It was the first defeat of the season for Alberto Bollini’s U19s, beaten 3-1 by Germany at the City Stadium in Koprivnica on the second day of the tournament (the Czechs and the Germans will only play two games as they aren’t playing each other), after the 0-0 draw against the hosts just three days ago.

The Azzurrini went behind in the 6th minute, when Bochum player, Francis-Ikechukwu Onyeka, converted from the spot. After the break, the Germans made it two through Elversberg forward, Otto Emerson Stange. In the 60th minute, Italy drew one back through AC Milan forward Simone Lontani, but in the 83rd minute, Hannover striker Denis Husser, scored the goal to make it 3-1.

The head coach said, "We played a strong opposition, above all individually, with many players already getting regular first team action. The match began poorly, with the referee awarding a penalty for a handball completely out of our control, but is correct according to current rules. Despite going one behind, we picked ourselves back up, and we came close but then conceded a second with an avoidable mistake. Then, we drew one back through Lontani and put all our energy into making it level, but an individual error cost us dearly. However, the team showed drive, staying in the game: the courage was there.

“At the moment, with nine players with the U20s (Cama, Emanuel, Idele, Iddrissou, Liberali, Mosconi, Natali, Nunziante and Sala) and several people out, we are a growing squad and we must continue doing so. Germany, however, are a compact, top-level team, but I prefer to have this sort of experience now rather than in competitive games.”

Italy will return to action on Tuesday 9 September (10:45 CEST) at the Podturen stadium to face the Czech Republic, who drew 2-2 with the Croatian hosts this afternoon. “Today we began with only four of the starters from our last game as these tests give all our boys international experience, and it helps them to grow and helps us to evaluate them better. However, I don’t hide the fact that I have clear ideas for this group, and this is decided.”

Schedule

Matchday 1 (Wednesday 3 September)
ITALY 0-0 Croatia

Matchday 2 (Saturday 6 September)
Croatia 2-2 Czech Republic
Germany 3-1 ITALY

Matchday 3 (Tuesday 9 September)
10:45 CEST ITALY vs. Czech Republic, Podturen Stadium in Podturen
17:00 CEST Croatia vs. Germany, City Stadium in Koprivnica