U19 Euro: Italy 2-1 Norway – Pafundi stars in opening victory

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·15 July 2024

U19 Euro: Italy 2-1 Norway – Pafundi stars in opening victory

The Italy Under-19s had to come from behind to record a 2-1 victory over Norway in the opening match of the U19 European Championships on Monday afternoon, with goals coming courtesy of Milan talent Kevin Zeroli and Inter Primavera midfielder Luca Di Maggio.

Italy are the reigning U19 Euro champions, having lifted the trophy after a 1-0 victory over Portugal in last summer’s final at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium in Malta.

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As the current holders, Italy kicked the tournament off, this time being hosted in Northern Ireland. The Azzurrini are in Group A along with the hosts, Norway and Ukraine.

Coach Bernardo Corradi named a relatively strong startling line-up for the tournament’s opener, including the aforementioned Zeroli as well as his Milan teammates Davide Bartesaghi and Simone Pafundi, who has already been capped at senior level, but teenage sensation Francesco Camarda was left on the bench to start off.

Italy handed Norway the lead 10 minutes from time in the first half after Fabio Chiarodia gave the ball away within his own area. Daniel Braut then received the ball, took it on the turn and stuck one away into the bottom corner.

The Azzurrini were level less than 10 minutes later though. An impressive, cheeky back-heel in the final third from Pafundi found Di Maggio, who took two neat touches before dispatching a curling effort in from the edge of the D.

The eventual winner was comparatively straight-forward. Zeroli rose highest in the area to nod home a Pafundi corner.

Pafundi, who claimed both assists, was Italy’s stand-out performer on the day.

Italy will face hosts Northern Ireland in Larne on Thursday evening, before facing Ukraine at the same ground on Sunday night for the final group stage match.