A bitter ending for Italy’s Under-20 side: in their first match since the U20 World Cup, Nunziata’s team lost 2–1 to Portugal in a friendly in Viareggio. After a mostly balanced first half with few real chances on either side, the Azzurrini found an early lead in the second half thanks to Postiglione’s header from a corner. Not long after the half-hour mark, Portugal equalised through Rodrigo Ribeiro, and in the fifth and final minute of added time, Mauro Couto sealed the comeback with the decisive goal.

 

Coach Nunziata’s Comments. After the match, Carmine Nunziata gave a clear assessment of a game with an undeniably unfortunate ending. He commented, “We’re definitely disappointed. In my opinion, we put in an excellent performance, especially considering this group has only just come back together. The boys positioned themselves well on the pitch, but we paid for a few avoidable mistakes. I congratulate them on how they played, though we could have managed the ending of the game much better.”

 

Match Report. The match kicked off with Portugal demonstrating their organisation and technical strength, highlighted by Lima’s pace down the left flank, while Italy responded through Nuamah’s energy, which caused the visitors problems on multiple occasions. The game remained evenly balanced, with neither side able to break through and very few clear chances. After a minute of added time, referee Maresca, faultless in his officiating, sent the teams into the dressing rooms at 0–0.

Nunziata’s side went into the second half with more energy, consistently posing a threat to Diogo Fernandes’ goal. In the 58th minute, Italy found their breakthrough: Postiglione rose highest on a corner from the left and headed in the 1–0. In the 65th minute, a quick, vertical counterattack unleashed Nuamah’s run, but after beating a challenge, his shot was off target. Italy seemed in control and, despite Portugal being less proactive than in the first half, the visitors found an equaliser in the 79th minute thanks to Rodrigo Ribeiro, who capitalised on a mistake in Italy’s build-up and beat Zenti with a precise low finish. Just four minutes later, Berenbruch had the opportunity to restore Italy’s lead, but his curling effort from the edge of the box drifted just wide. Added time gave way to the Portuguese comeback: first, Zenti made a superb save to deny Tomé, but in the 95th minute, there was nothing that could be done to stop Mauro Couto. It was a bitter blow that came just thirty seconds from the end of the match. Final score: 1–2.