A defeat that hurts. The National Under 21s came out without any points from the Cluj Arena in their opening match at the European Championships: Paolo Nicolato can be proud of the Azzurrini's performance, but he cannot avoid talking about the episodes that affected the defeat against France. "I find it hard to talk about the match - the words of Nicolato -. The decisions have affected a lot, too much. I don't usually talk about them, but when I'm hot I can't help thinking about them." Then he adds: "We lost against a great team, who deserved it; but honestly the management of the game was against us. We were very unlucky. We shouldn't complain, even if it's incredible to play without VAR and Goal Line technology at this level.

There was also time for an analysis of the match: "Italy played really well, although we knew that they are a top team, very good on the counter attacks, fresh, fast, physically remarkable. We created good chances and we did not capitalise on them. Now it's Switzerland, we must win."

"I saw a great game from Italy," added Marco Carnesecchi. "The standard was really high. We were the better team, we lost, but we are aware that we are strong. Now we have the next two games. Let's reset and move on, because there is still a lot to play for in this tournament. The Switzerland game will be like a final for us: let's rrecharge and we'll talk about it after the match against them."

Regret was also evident in the words of number 10 Nicolò Rovella: "There is great disappointment because we played a great game and deserved more. We must not think about it and we must focus on the next games to get past the group stage. I saw a great Italy." These words were echoed by Willy Gnonto, who came on in the second half and made his Under-21 debut after being involved with the senior team in the Netherlands in the Nations League Finals: "We have to take the positives from today and carry them forward. I am disappointed, but we are a strong, quality team. We have to play as we know how and win the next games. I just want to help the team."