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The U17 national team secured a major victory at the Estádio Municipal Manuela Machado in Viana do Castelo: coach Daniele Franceschini's team defeated the hosts – reigning European champions – 2-1 in their opening match of the international tournament, which runs until September 9th.

The Azzurrini took the lead in the 11th minute through Empoli striker Diego Perillo, before doubling their lead in the 34th minute thanks to an own goal by Benfica defender Tomás Ferreira. In the second half, after Perillo was sent off in the 53rd minute for a second yellow card, the Portuguese side reduced the deficit in the 93rd minute through Lens midfielder Mezian Soares.

"We had a great first half," the Italian coach emphasized, "showing the right mentality, both in build-up play and when out of possession. In the second half, where unfortunately we were reduced to ten men, the boys knew how to endure, showing great character against a top-level opponent. Results like this help boost self-esteem, but they must always be backed up by performances, because we are laying the foundations for the future."

MATCH. Italy lined up in a 4-3-1-2 with Corigliano behind strikers Fugazzola and Perillo, while Portugal opted for a 4-3-3 led by Semedo, Ferreirinha, and João Silva.

The Azzurrini started brightly and struck first in the 11th minute, Perillo reacting quickest to turn in Francisco Mendes’ save on Diallo’s header. Portugal replied with João Rijo rattling the crossbar from distance, but Italy doubled their advantage in the 34th minute when captain Biondini’s cross was deflected by Tomàs Ferreira into his own net. Mazzi then preserved the lead with a fine save on Ferreirinha before halftime.

The second half turned when Perillo saw red in the 53rd minute, leaving Italy with ten men. Portugal pushed forward, with Estefanio Domingos forcing a superb stop from Mazzi. Italy then steadied themselves with a few substitutions. Biondini tested Mendes from range and Zanni, on for Fugazzola, nearly made it three on the break. Deep into stoppage time, Portugal pulled one back through Mezian Soares, who lifted the ball over Mazzi, but Italy still had the last word as Zanni went close again from the edge of the box. The Azzurrini held firm, celebrating a 2-1 win that put them top of the group ahead of Scotland vs. Serbia later in the day.

The Azzurrini will return to action against Serbia on Saturday 6th September (15:00 local time, 16:00 CEST) at the Estádio Municipal da Coutada in Arcos de Valdevez. Franceschini concluded, "in the upcoming matches all the available players will be given game time, because these events are a great way to see how they perform at an international level."

Schedule

Matchday One (Thursday 4th September)

Portugal 1-2 ITALY

15:00 local time (16:00 CEST): Scotland vs. Serbia, Estádio Municipal da Coutada in Arcos de Valdevez

Standings: ITALY 3, Scotland 0, Serbia 0, Portugal 0.

Matchday Two (Saturday 6th September)

11:00 local time (12:00 CEST): Portugal vs. Scotland, Complexo Desportivo in Fão

15:00 local time (16:00 CEST): ITALY vs. Serbia, Estádio Municipal da Coutada in Arcos de Valdevez

Matchday Three (Tuesday, September 9)

10:00 local time (11:00 CEST): ITALY vs. Scotland, Estádio Municipal 'Manuela Machado' in Viana do Castelo

11:00 local time (12:00 CEST): Portugal vs. Serbia, Complexo Desportivo in Fão