The year has not got off to the best start for the U17s, who lost 2-0 against their Spanish peers at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas, in the first of two friendly fixtures. 

Italy, went 1-0 down in the first half, after Athletic Club’s Christian Imga’s goal in the 36th minute. In the 59th minute, the Spaniards doubled their lead through Atlético Madrid defenfer, Jorge Domínguez’s goal. 

"It was an important test," said Coach Daniele Franceschini, “against one of the strongest team’s in the age group. With the second round of the European Championship qualifiers coming up (scheduled from March 25 to 31), it was a challenging match that also gave us the opportunity to try out some new players. The boys gave their all, and I can’t fault them, but I would have liked us to perform better in terms of quality and ball possession. Starting tomorrow, however, we will work to improve ahead of the next game."

The Azzurrini have the chance to get revenge, in Las Rozas again, on Thursday (12:00 CET, live on Vivo Azzurro TV). "We will make all the necessary changes," continued the Azzurri coach, "because these matches help us develop and properly evaluate the players ahead of the March call-ups, when I will have to make some selections."

THE GAME

Italy lined up in a 4-3-1-2 with Landi supporting the attacking duo of Perillo and Pisati, while Spain responded with a 4-3-3, playing Rubén Gómez, Roberto Tomás, and Christian Imga up front.

The Azzurrini started positively, with a 25-meter free kick from 2010-born Guaglianone going over the bar in the 6th minute. Spain responded in the 11’ with a scramble in the Italian box: Domínguez shot, Giaretta saved, and Żuk’s follow-up was ruled offside. Italy continued to threaten, with Landi shooting just wide in the 30th minute. The breakthrough came in the 36th minute: Rubén Gómez delivered a low cross from the right for Christian Imga, who beat Giaretta to put Spain ahead. Half-time: 1-0 to the hosts.

In the second half, Spain came close to doubling the lead several times: Żuk’s shot was deflected for a corner (49’), and Gómez hit the outside of the net (52’). The 2-0 goal arrived in the 59th minute, as Jorge Domínguez, well-served by Mikel Urrestarazu, tapped in from the near post. Italy struggled to respond, with Tunkara testing the keeper (64’) and Gómez threatening again from a free kick. Casagrande, subbed in for Pisati, tried twice to reduce the deficit (74’ and 78’) but missed narrowly. The match ended 2-0 to Spain.

SQUAD LIST

Goalkeepers: Emanuele Giaretta (Juventus), Christian Lupo (Lecce);

Defenders: Matteo Albini (Como), Elia Cantarelli (Parma)**, Cristian Cioffi (Roma), Djibril Diallo (Parma), Andrea Donato (Inter), Alessandro Foroni (Inter), Alessandro Ghiotto (Juventus), Ludovico Varali (Parma);
Midfielders: Giovanni Francesco Baldini (Bologna), Lorenzo Bernamonte (Fiorentina)*, Edoardo Biondini (Empoli), Abdoul Alim Compaore (Hellas Verona), Thomas Corigliano (Juventus), Mattia Guaglianone (Roma), Jacopo Landi (Empoli), Andrea Pibiri (Cagliari);
Forwards: Tommaso Casagrande (Hellas Verona), Luca Menon (Milan), Diego Perillo (Empoli), Samuele Pisati (Como).

*called up on January 17 to replace the unavailable Francesco Gasparello (Atalanta)

**called up on January 21 to replace the unavailable Edoardo Dario Rocca (Inter)

Staff – Head Coach: Daniele Franceschini; National Youth Teams Coordinator: Maurizio Viscidi; Assistant coach: Mirco Gasparetto; Goalkeeping coach: Francesco Antonioli; Fitness coach: Roberto Ghielmetti; Match analyst: Francesco Donzella; Doctors: Francesco Cuccaro and Giorgio Liberati Petrucci; Physiotherapist: Saverio Didonato; Nutritionist: Giuseppe Cuzzocrea; Secretary: Guglielmo Cammino.