U19 EURO: Italy held by Croatia in disappointing stalemate | OneFootball

Italy’s hopes of securing a semi-final berth at the European Under-19 Championship took a hit with today’s 0-0 draw against Croatia, so now they must beat Ukraine.

The Azzurrini had a strong start to the tournament in Wales, beating Serbia 2-0 in the opening fixture with a Mattia Liberali penalty and Jamal Iddrissou strike.

CAERNARFON, WALES – JUNE 29: Mattia Liberali of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2026 match between Italy and Serbia on June 29, 2026 in Caernarfon, Wales. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)

However, they struggled to replicate that performance in a dour goalless draw with Croatia this afternoon in Group B.

The early afternoon kick-off time seemed to get to Italy, who looked slow and sluggish in the heat, with only Emanuele Sala blasting wide from distance, while Patrice Covic tested goalkeeper Massimo Pessina.

They tried to step up a gear in the second half, creating two big chances with Mattia Mosconi’s diving header off target, and Idrissou at full stretch meeting a Mattia Marello free kick, forcing a tough reaction save.

Now Italy must win their final Group B match against Ukraine on July 5.

Ukraine will face Serbia this evening, having already beaten Croatia 3-1 in their opener.

Croatia 0-0 Italy

Italy U19: Pessina; Nardin, Natali, Verde, Cocchi (Marello 65); Liberali (Comotto 65), Sala, Coletta; Wiafe (Idele 92), Iddrissou, Mosconi (Arena 83)

Croatia U19: Kostopec; Mikic, Zebic, Puljic, Mandic; Smiljanic (Chelfi 83), Subotic (Zrilic 83), Covic, Sutalo; Kusanovic (Baric 72), Bakovic (Simic 72)