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A superb performance from Italy U17, who secured a convincing 4–0 victory over Iceland at the Stadio Renato Curi in Perugia (in front of 1,200 spectators) on Matchday 2 of Group A2 in League A of Round 2 of European qualifiers, taking place in Umbria.
Italy took the lead through Diego Perillo in the 7th minute, before doubling their advantage with Edoardo Biondini in the 26th. The Azzurrini then effectively wrapped up the match before half-time thanks to Perillo again, who completed his brace in the 37th minute, and Thomas Corigliano, who added the fourth two minutes later.
“We are pleased with both the result and the performance,” said head coach Daniele Franceschini. “Especially in the first half, when we did well to seize control of the match early on. In the second half, however, our approach was a little too passive. That is something we must improve, because I would have liked to see the same intensity in the second 45 minutes. The road is still long, but so far we are satisfied: two wins from two matches and two very good performances. Now one final piece remains.”
The Azzurrini will return to the pitch on Tuesday at 18:00 CEST (live on Vivo Azzurro TV) at the Stadio Pietro Barbetti in Gubbio, where they will face Romania, who previously defeated reigning U17 European champions Portugal 1–0 in Gualdo Tadino. “They are a very physical team,” Franceschini added, “one that plays with a very mature approach. We will need to be good at playing our own football and finding the right way to express our qualities.”
The match. Italy lined up in their usual 4-3-1-2 formation, making three changes to the starting XI that had come from behind to beat Portugal 3–2 on Wednesday. Donato replaced the suspended Diallo in defence alongside Varali, Biondini returned from suspension in place of Ballarin in midfield, and Casagrande came into the attack for Fugazzola.
Iceland responded with a 4-3-3 system, making five changes from the side that had lost 5–2 to Romania three days earlier. Friðriksson, Gaciarski and Karlsson replaced Atlasson, the suspended Ingimarsson and Oddgeirsson in defence, while Jónsson and Garðarsson replaced Kristjánsson in midfield and Þorsteinsson in attack, respectively.
The Azzurrini started at full throttle and opened the scoring after seven minutes: Perillo timed his run and judged the offside line perfectly, rounding Petersson to finish from a tight angle. Buoyed by the early goal, Italy continued to push forward and doubled their lead in the 26th minute through captain Biondini, who shot low into the corner. Italy dominated proceedings and made it 3–0 in the 37th minute when Perillo headed home a cross from Casagrande. Two minutes later the score became 4–0: Corigliano, set up by Albini, controlled the ball before finishing across goal. Iceland attempted a muted response through Guðjónsson and his teammates, but they failed to trouble the Italian defence. Before half-time, Italy nearly scored a fifth goal when Casagrande’s powerful shot from the edge of the area was pushed behind for a corner.
In the second half the Azzurrini slightly lowered the tempo but remained firmly in control of the match, managing the large advantage built in the opening 45. The first chance after the break fell to substitute Fugazzola, who forced a save from Petersson in the 61st minute before striking the top of the crossbar moments later. Corigliano also tried his luck, but his effort flew wide. In the closing stages, after another attempt from Fugazzola in the 83rd minute, Iceland pushed in search of a consolation goal. However, first Þorsteinsson in the 84th minute and then Kristjánsson in the 88th were denied by an excellent Lupo. After three minutes of stoppage time, the match ended 4–0 to Italy — a display of quality and character that leaves the Azzurrini one step away from qualification.
Iceland 0-4 Italy
Iceland (4-3-3): Petersson; Friðriksson, Gaciarski (46’ Oddgeirsson), Daníelsson Martin, Karlsson; Jónsson (71’ Kristjánsson), Kárason (4’ Þorsteinsson), Pálmason (79’ Gunnleifsson); Ingólfsson, Guðjónsson (c), Garðarsson (46’ Kjeld).
Substitutes: Beic (GK), Atlason.
Head coach: Ómar Ingi Guðmundsson.
Italy (4-3-1-2): Lupo; Bonifazi, Donato, Varali, Albini (55’ Dattilo); Biondini (c) (80’ Bernamonte), Okon-Engstler, Gasparello (55’ Ballarin); Corigliano (69’ Landi); Casagrande, Perillo (55’ Fugazzola).
Substitutes: Giaretta (GK), Puricelli, Fustini.
Head coach: Daniele Franceschini.
Referee: Lasse Læbel Graagaard.
Assistants: Esad Deronjic and Christopher Gentles.
Fourth official: Duncan Nicolson.
Goals: 7’ Diego Perillo (ITA), 26’ Edoardo Biondini (ITA), 37’ Perillo (ITA), 39’ Thomas Corigliano (ITA).
Added time: 5’ first half, 3’ second half.
UEFA European Under-17 Championship Estonia 2026 – Round 2 | League A
Group A2: Iceland, Italy, Portugal, Romania
Matchday 1 – Wednesday 25 March
Iceland 2-5 Romania
Italy 3-2 Portugal
Matchday 2 – Saturday 28 March
Portugal 0-1 Romania
Iceland 0-4 Italy
Standings: Italy 6 (+5), Romania 6 (+4), Portugal 0 (−2), Iceland 0 (−7)
Matchday 3 – Tuesday 31 March
18:00 CEST – Portugal vs Iceland, Stadio Renato Curi, Perugia
18:00 CEST – Romania vs Italy, Stadio Pietro Barbetti, Gubbio (live on Vivo Azzurro TV)