With another convincing, solid, and impressive performance, the Italy Under-21s continued their successful run in the qualifiers for Albania and Serbia 2027, the final phase of the 26th edition of the European U21 Championship. At the ‘Castellani’ Stadium in Empoli, Silvio Baldini’s side defeated North Macedonia 4–0 thanks to goals from Ndour, Lipani, Ekhator, and Fini. Ndour opened the scoring with a header just four minutes in, Lipani (after hitting the woodwork twice in the first half) doubled the lead in the 49th minute, and Ekhator made it 3–0 a minute later. Five minutes from full-time, Fini converted a penalty to seal the 4–0 victory.

 

BALDINI POST-MATCH

After the match, Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini commented: “Looking back at our 1–0 win in North Macedonia and comparing it to tonight, the team have come a long way, especially since we were down to ten men in that last game. The players are more mature, enjoy themselves, and are happy. I’m satisfied with the performance. The team works well because the players are strong and have grown under excellent coaches at their clubs, so credit goes to those who train them. At halftime, they realised how much more potential they had, and they delivered. I’m happy for them; they deserve to win after putting in such a great performance. From now on, we’ll focus on the match against Sweden; it will be a higher-level game, but we’re strong, and I have confidence in the squad.”

THE MATCH

Italy started on the front foot. After just three minutes, Bartesaghi sent in a precise cross from the left, and Ndour timed his run perfectly to head home the opener. The Azzurrini dominated the game and came close to doubling their lead in the 12th minute with a spectacular move finished by Lipani, whose right-footed shot hit the far post. Five minutes later, the captain struck the woodwork again with a header from Bartesaghi’s corner, leaving Ljupche beaten. The first half ended with Italy dominating possession and winning corners, but without extending the lead. Lipani finally found a way through and scored three minutes into the second half with a long-range right-footed strike, and a minute later, Ekhator made it 3–0 with a left-footed finish. Baldini brought on Kayode at the start of the second half for Favasuli, and later Venturino and Fini to give Lipani and Cherubini a rest. Not long after, Ndour headed another Bartesaghi assist, forcing Ljupche into a crucial save for a corner. Alessio Cacciamani made his U21 debut in the 74th minute, replacing Koleosho, who had been dominant on the left flank throughout the game. In the final ten minutes, Baldini made his last change, bringing Raimondo on for Ekhator. Italy continued to push forward, and five minutes from time, Fini converted a penalty after being fouled to have the final say in the 4–0 win.

ITALY 4–0 NORTH MACEDONIA

Italy (4–3–3): Palmisani; Favasuli (Kayode 46’), Comuzzo, Chiarodia, Bartesaghi; Ndour, Lipani (Venturino 58’), Dagasso; Cherubini (Fini 58’), Ekhator (Raimondo 82’), Koleosho (Cacciamani 74’). Substitutes: Daffara, Guarino, Ahanor, Berti Coach: Baldini

North Macedonia (4–2–3–1): Ljupche; Arizanoski, Meljichi, Djekov, Hamza; Angelov (Latifi 69’), Maslarov (Sofijanoski 58’); Danev (Stojanov 84’), Durakov (Gjorgievski 58’), Trajkov; Gashtarov Substitutes: Vasilev, Filevski, Stojanoski, Kurtishi, Stojilevski Coach: Stanikj

Goals: Ndour (I) 4’; Lipani (I) 49’; Ekhator (I) 50’; Fini (I) penalty 86.’

Referee: David Dickinson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: David McGeachie (Scotland), Jonathan Bell (Scotland)
Fourth official: Lloyd Wilson (Scotland)

Yellow cards: Lipani 18’, Favasuli 32’
Attendance: 1,277 spectators