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FLORENCE, ITALY - JANUARY 18: Stefano Turco of Italy U18 in action during the international friendly match between Italy U18 and Spain U18 at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on January 18, 2023 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Stefano Turco
With the new adidas Italy shirt making its debut, the U18s fell to a 3-1 defeat to Spain. During an even first half, Spain took the lead in the 17th minute. Azzurrini goalkeeper Borriello exited his box in an attempt to clear a long ball over the top, but he was unable to get there, which led to an easy tap-in for Roca.
The Spaniards asserted control after the break and doubled their advantage after 55 minutes through Arevalo. A third quickly followed as Fettal, having received the ball from a headed flick-on, found the net after a 40-metre run. The first Italy goal in the new adidas shirt arrived in stoppage time, with Bovo turning home following a scramble in the area to make the scoreline less severe.
Head Coach Daniele Franceschini had the following to say after the game: "It was a great feeling to be ones to debut this shirt. It’s the first time a youth side has had this privilege and, as always, we did our best to honour the jersey. These are international games that allow the lads to grow, even in defeat. We must always try to learn from our mistakes, and matches like these will help with the development process. The aim is to see these lads move on up to the U20s, U21s and – why not? – the senior side."
Aaron Ciammaglichella also spoke after the game: "We’re regretful about the result, but I was happy to play this game wearing the new shirt. When I saw it in the changing room, I thought: ‘Wow: it’s beautiful’." Pio Esposito echoed these thoughts: "A special, unforgettable feeling. The really intense colour of this shirt is stunning and couldn’t represent Italy better on a football level." Finally, captain Luca Di Maggio said: "I really like the colours of the flag running down the side."
Italy 1-3 Spain
ITALY: Borriello; Turco, Comuzzo (59' Onofrietti), Diop (72' Stante), Milani; Ciammaglichella (72' Bovo), Di Maggio (86' Graziani), Parravicini (59' D’Avino); Bruno (59' Quieto); Presta (46' Franzoni), Esposito (46' Anghelè). Subs: Ravasio, Saiani. Head Coach: Franceschini
SPAIN: Abril (46' Goemz), Busto (46' Grande), Enriquez (46' Ramon), Bonar (59' Santos), Dominguez (46' Hernandez), Andres (46' Arevalo), Fortuny (59' Moreno), Canales (46' Fettal), Sanchez (46' Berrocal), Perez, Roca (14’st Cortes). Head Coach: Denia
REFEREE: Fiero. Assistants: Lencioni and Piazzini. Fourth official: Crezzini
GOALS: 17' Roca, 55' Arevalo, 57' Fettal, 92' Bovo
NOTE – Added time: 1', 3'
