Spain came out on top at Coverciano, as the Italy Under-19s suffered a 1-0 defeat to their Spanish counterparts in their first match of 2026. The result mirrored today’s friendly at Las Rozas, where Spain’s Under-18s also beat Massimiliano Favo’s Azzurrini by the same score. 

Beyond the result, what stands out after 90 minutes at the Federal Technical Centre is that Italy matched their Spanish opponents, in a tightly contested game decided by a single moment early in the second half. ‘I don’t see this as a defeat, but as a very important experience for our players at the international level, against one of the top teams not just in Europe, but in the world,’ said coach Alberto Bollini after the match, clearly pleased with what he saw. He added: ‘Looking purely at the scoreline, a draw would have been fairer. Playing these games on a non-FIFA date is never easy, so I thank my fellow coaches and the clubs. What impressed me most was the team spirit and the pride in wearing the Azzurri shirt, the tactical side came together naturally.’”

Among those attending the match on the Enzo Bearzot pitch were FIGC Vice President Umberto Calcagno, Maurizio Viscidi, men’s national youth teams coordinator, Giancarlo Antognoni, head of the Under-21 delegation, and Gaetano Petrelli, goalkeeping coordinator for the men’s youth teams. Also present were the coaches of the Under-21, Under-20, and Under-16 teams, Silvio Baldini, Carmine Nunziata, and Manuel Pasqual. The Under-19 and Under-17 women’s team coaches, Nicola Matteucci and Jacopo Leandri, were also present. 

It was a closely contested match. The first big chance came in the 37th minute when Liberali led a sharp Azzurri counterattack, setting up Mosconi for a shot inside the box, but the Inter number 7’s effort was quickly saved for a corner by the Spanish goalkeeper. Two minutes later, Spain responded with a first-time effort from Yanez, comfortably stopped by Nunziante. Early in the second half, the decisive moment came: Italy lost possession in a dangerous area, and Paco Gallardo’s side capitalised, with Jesùs Fortea scoring to put Spain ahead. Despite a series of substitutions and sustained Azzurri pressure, the score remained unchanged.