The National Under 20s team, who last night lost the FIFA World Cup final in Buenos Aires, beaten by Uruguay, will return to Italy tomorrow: in the afternoon (17:30 CEST), the delegation will head to the FIGC headquarters, where the federal president Gabriele Gravina will be waiting for the Azzurrini, led by delegation head Marcello Nicchi and coach Carmine Nunziata, to celebrate with them the exciting journey in the most important youth competition in the world, culminating in the best result in the history of the Italian team in the tournament. 

The runners-up finish for the Under 20s is yet more confirmation of the quality of the Young Azzurri, of Italian footballers, and of the training system of Club Italia, which this year reached the final stages of all competitions, the Under 17, Under 19 and Under 21 Euros, and of course the Under 20 World Cup.

In Argentina, Italy reached the semi-finals for the third time in a row: third place in South Korea in 2017, fourth in Poland in 2019 and second in the edition that ended yesterday. A feat that has so far only been achieved by Brazil (first in '91, second in '93 and '95), and Argentina, who even boast a streak of four straight appearances in the global tournament (first in 2001, fourth in 2003, first again in 2005 and 2007). 

On an individual level, Italy also had a clean sweep at the awards ceremony held at the end of the final: Golden Ball (best player) and Golden Boot (top scorer) went to Cesare Casadei; Golden Glove (best goalkeeper) was awarded to Sebastiano Desplanches.

 

********************************

NOTES FOR THE MEDIA: a mixed zone is planned at the end of the meeting.

For accreditation. Please send your header and correspondent details to: n.gaetani@figc.it