Italy’s Under-19 team began their European Championship campaign with a 2-0 victory over Serbia in Wales on Monday. Goals from Tommaso Liberali and Iddrissou secured all three points for coach Bollini’s side, placing them at the top of Group B. The team will next face Croatia in three days.
Liberali opened the scoring in the 11th minute, converting a penalty awarded after a foul on him by Simic. The Catanzaro forward, who has reportedly attracted interest from several Serie A clubs, dispatched the spot-kick with a precise left-footed shot. Serbia had moments of threat through Ciric, but Italy maintained control throughout the first half.
The second half saw Italy dominate proceedings. Coletta missed a close-range opportunity, and Liberali struck the crossbar with another effort. Iddrissou eventually extended Italy’s lead in the 76th minute, finishing off a swift counter-attack. Serbia hit the woodwork themselves late on through Novicic, but the score remained 2-0.
Juventus youngster Elimoghale made his debut for the Italian U19 side in the 70th minute, adding further youthful promise to the squad. The victory is not only a positive start to the tournament but also contributes to qualifying for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. The four semi-finalists of the European Championship, along with the winner of a playoff between the third-placed teams in the groups, will earn a place at the tournament in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
Italy’s remaining group stage fixtures see them play Croatia on Thursday at 3:00 PM and Ukraine on July 5th at 5:00 PM. The team will be aiming to progress deep into the competition and secure their spot at the U-20 World Cup.
