Italy’s Under-19 team began their European Championship campaign with a 2-0 victory over Serbia in Wales on Monday. Goals from Lorenzo Liberali and Iddrissou secured all three points for coach Bollini’s side, placing them at the top of Group B. Italy’s next challenge is a match against Croatia in three days.
The match saw Italy take the lead early, earning a penalty in the 11th minute after a foul by Simic on Liberali. The Catanzaro midfielder converted the spot-kick with a precise left-footed shot, sending the Serbian goalkeeper Carapic the wrong way. Serbia had moments of threat through Ciric, but Italy largely controlled the first half.
Italy dominated the second period, creating several opportunities. Coletta missed a close-range chance, 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’s young talent, Elimoghale, made an appearance as a substitute in the 70th minute.
The victory is not only important for Italy’s progress in the tournament but also for their qualification hopes for the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup. The four semi-finalists of the Euro U19 Championship, along with the winner of a playoff between the two third-placed teams, will secure a place at the World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan next year. Italy’s remaining group stage fixtures include a match against Croatia on Thursday and a game against Ukraine on July 5th.
