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After their convincing 4-1 win two days ago, the U19s drew 1-1 with Albania in the second friendly of the double-header between the sides at Novarello.

The Azzurrini went ahead in the 28th minute through Empoli midfielder Andrea Orlandi, but Albania equalised on the hour mark thanks to Crystal Palace’s Matteo Dashi. Italy came close to grabbing a late winner, with Inter defender Matteo Cocchi striking the post from a free-kick.

“We’re still in a preparatory phase where we need to do more than control the game and keep possession,” said Head Coach Alberto Bollini. “That’s important, but it’s not enough on its own: we need to be more decisive and clinical in the final third. Today, we lacked a bit of sharpness in front of goal. Albania deserve credit for how organised they were defensively organisation, but we were also a little wasteful with our finishing. That said, I’m pleased with the attitude and overall quality the team showed.”