Italy U19s played out a 2-2 draw with Spain, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the European Championship finals alive. However, in a repeat of what happened against Latvia on Wednesday, victory slipped away in the last few minutes. In front of 5307 fans in Catanzaro, the Azzurrini were involved in a second consecutive stalemate, meaning that, in order to qualify, they will have to beat France on Tuesday (once again at the Stadio Ceravolo) and hope that Spain fail to get the better of Latvia. If Paco Gallardo’s side win, they will progress to the finals. Should the two teams finish level on points, following today’s draw, goal difference would be the deciding factor.

Spain took the lead following a Leoni own goal (17’), but Mattia Liberali equalised from the penalty spot after being fouled by Merino in the box (29’). With seven minutes of normal time to go, Liberali headed home a Magni cross to give the Azzurrini the lead. Just when it seemed like Italy were heading for victory, Cordero converted a spot-kick for Spain (88’), who now have their destiny in their own hands.

“When a team gives absolutely everything in terms of character, physicality and unity in matches as spectacular as these and in front of such a crowd, it’s already satisfying,” said Head Coach Bollini. “From an emotional perspective, we knew we had to win. We fell behind but managed to turn it around. There’s regret after conceding at the end, but I want to praise the boys for what they did: they showed how much they care about the Azzurrini shirt and went looking for a winner even after the goal to make it 2-2. We won’t dwell on it and, instead, will focus on Tuesday.”

ITALY 2-2 SPAIN
ITALY (4-2-3-1): Martinelli; Magni, Leoni, Natali (67’ Pagnucco), Jack; Sala, Rispoli (81’ Venturino); Fini (81’ Agbonifo), Liberali, Fortini (57’ De Pieri); Ekhator. Substitutes: Nunziante, Plaia, Mendicino, Coletta. Head Coach: Bollini

SPAIN (4-3-3): Raul Jimenez; Fort (76’ Fortea), Martin, Cuenca, Diego Aguado; Pablo Garcia, Merino (46’ Junyent), Monserrate (76’ Granados); Munoz (76’ Diaz), Janneh, Cordero (91’ Valdepenas). Substitutes: Manu Gonzalez, Huestamendia, Pastor. Head Coach: Gallardo 

Referee: Kucuk (Türkiye). Assistants: Urun (Türkiye), Zugic (Bosnia). Fourth official: Bandic (Bosnia)

Goals: 17' own goal. Leoni (I), 29' pen. Liberali (I), 82’ Liberali (I), 88’ pen. Cordero (S)

Note:  Merino (S), Liberali (I), Magni (I) and Fortea (S) booked

UEFA EUROPEAN UNDER-19 CHAMPIONSHIP - ELITE ROUND, GROUP 5

Matchday 1 (Wednesday 19 March)

Spain 2-1 France
ITALY 1-1 Latvia

Matchday 2 (Saturday 22 March)

France 2-1 Latvia
ITALY 2-2 Spain
Table: Spain 4, France 3, ITALY 2, Latvia 1

Matchday 3 (Tuesday 25 March)

15:00 CET France vs. ITALY (Catanzaro, Stadio Nicola Ceravolo, live on Vivo Azzurro TV)
15:00 CET Latvia vs. Spain (Cosenza, Real Cosenza sports centre)