Italy Under-21, two wins from two: Macedonia beaten, top spot in sight | OneFootball

The Italy Under-21 team continues its full-point march in the European category qualifications.

Italy Under-21, two out of two: North Macedonia defeated and the top spot reached

The team of Silvio Baldini, despite playing with a numerical disadvantage for over an hour, has overcome North Macedonia 1-0 thanks to the goal by the Neapolitan Luca Marianucci.

A victory of character

After the comeback victory over Montenegro, the Azzurrini clinch their second consecutive win, confirming solidity and spirit of sacrifice. The match got complicated at the 25th minute, when Moruzzi was sent off for a double warning. Despite the numerical inferiority, Italy did not lose control of the match and at the 34th minute found the decisive goal: Marianucci, following a free kick, beat the Macedonian goalkeeper with coolness.

The match minute by minute

Baldini proposed a 4-3-1-2 with Raimondo and Koleosho in attack and Pafundi in support. In goal, Motta made his debut in place of Mascardi, who was absent due to a family bereavement.

In the first few minutes, Italy pushed mainly on the left with Moruzzi, while Raimondo put the visiting rearguard in difficulty. After the expulsion, the Azzurrini reshaped the setup to a 4-3-2, with Idrissi replacing Pafundi. Despite being one man down, the team continued to create opportunities, also finding good counterattacks with Ekhator in the second half.

North Macedonia, on the other hand, built very little: a penalty requested and not granted, an attempt by Hamza and little else. Italy even came close to doubling the score with Ndour and a missed own goal by an opposing defender.

The standings and the next commitments

With this victory, Italy moves up to 6 points in two matches, catching up with Poland at the top of Group E. It will be the Poles, along with Sweden, the main rivals in the race towards Euro 2027.

For Baldini and his boys, the start has been encouraging: two wins, remarkable defensive solidity and the ability to suffer when necessary.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.