USA downs Italy to advance to quarterfinals at FIFA U-20 World Cup

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·9 ottobre 2025

USA downs Italy to advance to quarterfinals at FIFA U-20 World Cup

By MLSsoccer staff

The United States' run at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup will continue, as the US U-20s defeated Italy, 3-0, on Thursday in the Round of 16, to lock up a place in the quarterfinal round.

OneFootball Video

The US broke through early, nabbing a 1-0 lead after only 15 minutes. A header by FC Dallas left back Nolan Norris was saved off the line, but the rebound fell kindly to Inter Miami homegrown Benjamin Cremaschi, who squeezed a close-range finish past Italian goalkeeper Jacopo Seghetti.

The Italians battled back throughout the middle stages of the match, including hitting the woodwork once, but were unable to find a way through the US backline, which included Philadelphia Union defender Frankie Westfield and Colorado Rapids 'keeper Adam Beaudry.

San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Niko Tsakiris ensured progression for the US with just over 10 minutes remaining, curling a low free-kick around the wall and inside the near post. Cremaschi added an exclamation point in the 93rd minute to bring the final score to 3-0.

Goals

15' - USA - Benjamin Cremaschi | WATCH
79' - USA - Niko Tsakiris | WATCH
90+3' - USA - Benjamin Cremaschi | WATCH

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: The US have looked the part so far at the U-20 World Cup, with three wins, including two victories over European opposition. With the triumph over Italy, the US have now reached the quarterfinals of the U-20 World Cup five straight times and nine times overall. They're looking to earn a place in the semifinals for the first time since 1989.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Tsakiris' brilliant free kick sealed the deal for the United States in an impressive knockout round win.

Niko Tsakiris bends it around the wall to give @USYNT a two-goal advantage! 🇺🇸
– giovedì 9 ottobre 2025

MAN OF THE MATCH: Cremaschi was once again the hero for the US, impacting the game in a multitude of ways in midfield, while also lighting up the scoresheet twice. He's been one of the biggest stars of the U-20 World Cup so far, tallying five goals.