In front of almost 4,000 fans at the Stadio Alfredo Viviani in Potenza, the U18s lost 1-0 to Hungary. The matchwinner for Szabolcs Kemene’s side was Ajax forward Bendegúz Kovács who scored in the 73rd minute.

POTENZA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 26: Head coach of Italy U18 Daniele Franceschini looks on prior the International Friendly match between Italy U18 and Hungary U18 at Stadio Alfredo Viviani on February 26, 2025 in Potenza, Italy. (Photo by FIGC/FIGC via Getty Images)
POTENZA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 26: Head coach of Italy U18 Daniele Franceschini looks on prior the International Friendly match between Italy U18 and Hungary U18 at Stadio Alfredo Viviani on February 26, 2025 in Potenza, Italy. (Photo by FIGC/FIGC via Getty Images)
POTENZA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 26: Head coach of Italy U18 Daniele Franceschini looks on prior the International Friendly match between Italy U18 and Hungary U18 at Stadio Alfredo Viviani on February 26, 2025 in Potenza, Italy. (Photo by FIGC/FIGC via Getty Images)

Daniele Francheschini: "I don’t like to lose, especially after having faced a game with the right attitude and dominated the play. We created many chances but we weren’t clinical up front. Overall, I am happy with the lads’ mentality, including some new faces who looked good".

POTENZA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 26: Giacomo Arduini of Italy U18 during the International Friendly match between Italy U18 and Hungary U18 at Stadio Alfredo Viviani on February 26, 2025 in Potenza, Italy. (Photo by FIGC/FIGC via Getty Images)
POTENZA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 26: Giacomo Arduini of Italy U18 during the International Friendly match between Italy U18 and Hungary U18 at Stadio Alfredo Viviani on February 26, 2025 in Potenza, Italy. (Photo by FIGC/FIGC via Getty Images)
POTENZA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 26: Giacomo Arduini of Italy U18 during the International Friendly match between Italy U18 and Hungary U18 at Stadio Alfredo Viviani on February 26, 2025 in Potenza, Italy. (Photo by FIGC/FIGC via Getty Images)