Italy qualify for U19 European Championship Final tournament
Italy's Under-19 national team has successfully secured its place in the European Championship Final tournament, comprising the top eight nations, following a 1-1 draw against Turkiye.
The decisive match today pitted two strong contenders against each other at the summit of Group 6. Both teams entered the game level on six points, leading Hungary and Slovakia, making this encounter a head-to-head battle for group supremacy.
The match concluded in a 1-1 stalemate. Samuele Inacio found the net for Italy, although Darvin Soylu managed to equalize for Turkiye. Despite the draw, the "Azzurrini" clinched the group victory thanks to their significantly better goal difference of +6, compared to Turkiye's +2.
Under the guidance of coach Alberto Bollini, the Italian squad had previously achieved impressive 3-0 victories against both Hungary and Slovakia during the Elite Round, showcasing their strong form.
The teams that emerge victorious from their respective groups will proceed to join the host nation, Wales, in the final tournament. The official draw for this stage is scheduled to take place on April 16 in Wrexham.
The tournament itself is set to run from June 28 to July 11. Beyond determining the European champions, it will also serve as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which will be held in Azerbaijan.
Italy previously claimed the European Under-19 Championship title in 2023, adding to their earlier success in 2003.
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