The Italy Under-16 National Team produced an impressive display of character to beat France 2-1 at the ‘Philippe de Dieuleveult’ Sports Centre in Le Plessis-Trévise on the second matchday of the 27th edition of the ‘Val de Marne’ International Tournament, which runs until 31 October in the Île-de-France region. The Azzurrini had also beaten England 2-1 in their opening fixture two days ago.

Italy took the lead in the 33rd minute through Bologna forward Leonard Maria Lima Ramalho, before Toulouse winger Malik Bah equalised for France in the 71st minute. Parma attacking midfielder Lorenzo Vitali then struck in the 89th minute to seal victory for Giovanni Costantino’s side.

“We did very well in the first half,” said the Italy coach. “We gave some of the players who had featured less in the opening game the chance to play. I’m pleased because the new players are responding well and showing what they can do. We were in control until France made it 1-1, but then our opponents grew into the game. We showed resilience and eventually came out on top in the closing stages, playing with intensity and fighting for every ball. If we play like this, we are second to none.”

The Azzurrini currently sit top of the table with a maximum six points. They will return to action on Saturday (14:00 CET) at the ‘Léo Lagrange’ Sports Centre in Bonneuil-sur-Marne, where they will face Japan, who lost 3-2 to England today. “It will be a difficult game,” Costantino added, “because Japan are a team with excellent physical and technical qualities, particularly in attack. We will manage the players’ energy levels over the coming days to make sure we are ready. This match could bring us great satisfaction, as well as Club Italia and the Federation.”

THE SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Matteo Bondone (Genoa), Tommaso Sgrò (Parma);

Defenders: Matthew Appiah Boateng (Parma), Luca Arzuffi (Atalanta), Andrea Bernasconi (AC Milan)**, Niccolò Chieffallo (Roma), Samuele Ferraresso (Atalanta), Saverio Angelo Mesecorto (Sassuolo), Fabrizio Pasotti (Cremonese), Adrien Tato (AC Milan);

Midfielders: Francesco Buondonno (Napoli), Achille Cremonesi (AC Milan), Mattia Mirabella (Roma)*, Abdel Salam Musah (Fiorentina), Mattia Pica (Roma), Guglielmo Maria Tosi (Como), Marco Vaccarella (Juventus), Lorenzo Vitali (Parma);

Forwards: Mark Chidozie Cordopatri (Parma), Leonard Maria Lima Ramalho (Bologna), Gian Michael Portuoundo (Torino), Diego Succi (Cesena).

* Called up on 26 October to replace the unavailable Alessandro Grigioni (Como).

** Released from the squad on 27 October due to injury.

Staff – Head Coach: Giovanni Costantino; Head of Delegation: Ciro Immobile; Assistant Coach: Mirco Gasparetto; Goalkeeping Coach: Alberto Pomini; Fitness Coach: Francesco Saverio Cosentino; Match Analyst: Luca Federico; Doctor: Valerio Andreozzi; Physiotherapist: Giuliano Gepponi; Nutritionist: Filippo Maria Perricelli; Team Secretary: Aldo Blessich.

‘Val de Marne’ International Tournament

Single group: France, Japan, England, ITALY

Fixtures

First matchday (Tuesday 27 October)

England 2-4 ITALY

France 3-3 Japan, 6-7 on penalties

Second matchday (Thursday 29 October)

Japan 2-3 England

France 1-2 ITALY

Standings: ITALY 6, England 3, Japan 2, France 1.

Third matchday (Saturday 31 October)

14:00 CET: ITALY v.s Japan, ‘Léo Lagrange’ Sports Centre, Bonneuil-sur-Marne

16:00 CET: France vs. England, ‘Léo Lagrange’ Sports Centre, Bonneuil-sur-Marne