Italy U21 edge past North Macedonia thanks to Napoli new boy Marianucci | OneFootball

Italy U21 overcame a red card to defeat North Macedonia 1-0 in their Euro U21 qualifying campaign, with Napoli summer signing Luca Marianucci scoring the only goal.

Italy started the game strong but when Empoli youngster Brando Moruzzi, on loan from Juventus, received a dismissal for his second yellow card in the 25th minute, a lot of momentum was lost.

DUNAJSKA STREDA, SLOVAKIA – JUNE 22: Diego Coppola of U21 Italy runs with the ball during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025 Quarter-Final match between Germany and Italy at DAC Arena on June 22, 2025 in Dunajska Streda, Slovakia. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)

However, the young Italy side managed to break the deadlock ten minutes after the red card when a free-kick was swung into the box and an ensuing scramble in the penalty box gifted Marianucci a golden chance to slot the ball past the Macedonian goalkeeper.

Resilient Italy U21 withstand red card scare

Despite the red card, North Macedonia didn’t grow into the game as much as Italy grew out of it.

Despite their man advantage, the Macedonian side had just one shot all game and just 28% possession.

DUNAJSKA STREDA, SLOVAKIA – JUNE 22: Daniele Ghilardi of U21 Italy controls the ball during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025 Quarter-Final match between Germany and Italy at DAC Arena on June 22, 2025 in Dunajska Streda, Slovakia. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)

Italy, meanwhile, had 5 shots and a majority of the possession but were not able to add to their tally due to the handicap.

Italy now sit in 2nd place in Group E of the 2027 Euro U21 qualifying. The Azzurrini are level on points with Poland after two games played, both sides winning their opening fixtures of the campaign. In October, Italy welcome Sweden and Armenia to Cesena and Cremona for the next round of matches.