The build-up to the next Under-20 Women’s World Cup began with a draw: in Coverciano, the 2006-born side led by Alessandro Fabbro played to a 0-0 stalemate against their Polish counterparts.

“It’s a source of pride,” the Azzurre coach emphaised after the game. “Seeing the performance of these girls, who are exceptional in every way, was fantastic. It’s a performance that gives us confidence as they begin to build towards the next World Cup in September. Even for the staff, this training camp has been a truly rewarding experience.”

On Saturday morning (kick-off at 11:00 CET), back at the Federal Technical Centre, the Azzurrine will take the field again against Poland for the second friendly, which will close this training camp.

THE MATCH Italy and Poland faced each other again almost nine months after their draw in the final stage of last year’s Under-19 European Championship. Back in June 2025, it ended 1-1, a result that marked the start of Italy’s run, which concluded with a place in the continental semi-finals and qualification for the subsequent World Cup.

On a mild, sunny afternoon in Coverciano, the match was defined by duels and high intensity, while clear-cut scoring chances were hard to come by. It took more than half an hour to witness the first real opportunity. In the 34th minute, a set-piece sparked the chance: a corner led to a series of rebounds, a “pinball” sequence, that allowed Longobardi to shoot from a good position, but her effort was comfortably gathered by the Polish goalkeeper. Just before the end of the first half (43rd minute), a quick run by Perselli on the right unsettled the opposition defence, but the resulting scramble produced no tangible outcome.

In the second half, the pattern of play remained the same, with balance prevailing. Halfway through the second hald, Poland came very close to taking the lead: in the 22nd minute, Zwiazek curled a dangerous shot from around 20 metres that beat Belli but crashed directly against the crossbar. It proved to be the final real moment of danger in the match. On Saturday morning, the second fixture between the Azzurrine and Poland will close out the training camp at Coverciano.