The Under-20 National Team began their Elite League campaign with a victory, with Alberto Bollini’s men getting the better of Poland away from home. Both goals arrived in the first half: the deadlock was broken through captain Alessandro Cortinovis in the sixth minute following an excellent counter-attack, while Gaetano Oristanio then doubled Italy’s advantage on the half-hour mark after hitting the bar prior to this.

The Azzurrini had two other big chances in the opening period but also came close to conceding as the half was coming to an end, with Poland also striking the woodwork. In the second half, meanwhile, Italy kept things solid at the back and almost added a third through Sekulov and Riccardi.

Head Coach Alberto Bollini had the following to say after the game: “It’s a great team win that has seen us begin the tournament in an excellent fashion at this early stage of the season. I saw an organised side that always tried to play football, especially in the first half. After the restart, meanwhile, a compact defence came to the fore.”

At 15:00 CEST on Monday 6 September, the Azzurrini will take on Serbia at the Stadio Teofilo Patini in Castel di Sangro.

As for the Elite League, Italy’s next match is scheduled for 7 October, when they’ll travel to face England. Four consecutive home fixtures will then follow against Portugal (12 October), the Czech Republic (11 November), Romania (15 November) and Germany (24 March 2022). Their last game will be against Norway away from home on 28 March 2022.

U20 Elite League – Italy’s schedule

Poland 0-2 Italy

England vs. Italy, 7 October 2021

Italy vs. Portugal, 12 October 2021 (Frosinone, Stadio Benito Stirpe)

Italy vs. Czech Republic, 11 November 2021

Italy vs. Romania, 15 November 2021

Italy vs. Germany, 24 March 2022

Norway vs. Italy, 28 March 2022