The Under-20 National Team suffered their second defeat in as many matches at the La Nucía International Tournament, which is being held at the Estadio Olímpico Camilo Cano in Spain. After losing their opening match 3-1 to England, the Azzurrini were beaten 3-0 by Germany.

The scoreline did not reflect the balance of play. Italy matched Germany throughout the first half but went into the break behind after Moerstedt struck on the stroke of half-time. The Azzurrini’s task became harder when Verde was sent off for a dangerous challenge from behind (59’). Two defensive errors then allowed Moerstedt to complete his brace (66’) and Alfa-Ruprecht to add Germany’s third (78’). Italy will complete their tournament against France on Saturday 3 October at 11:00 CEST.

“We matched a very strong side for long periods,” said Italy Head Coach Carmine Nunziata. “Overall, the boys gave a good account of themselves. We were punished for our mistakes, particularly in the second half. At times we also made the wrong decisions and our final ball was not good enough. We have one match left against another strong opponent in France. We will approach it with the same desire and spirit, knowing that there are certain areas in which we need to improve.”

THE MATCH. Italy made eight changes to the side that started against England, with only Amey, Stabile and Lavelli retaining their places. Nunziata opted for a 4-3-2-1 formation: Vannucchi in goal; captain Amey, Verde, Stabile and Cama in defence; Coletta, Sala and Di Nunzio in midfield; and Pafundi and Mosconi behind Lavelli in attack.

The first half was evenly contested. Germany registered the first shot on target through Da Silva Moreira, but Vannucchi saved comfortably (17’). Italy created their first opening after winning possession in their own half and breaking quickly, with Pafundi playing in Lavelli, who was unable to beat the German goalkeeper (24’). There were few further openings until Pinto Pedrosa picked out Moerstedt in the centre of the box. The Hoffenheim striker controlled the ball with his left foot before beating Vannucchi with a firm right-footed strike (45’). Germany therefore led at the break, even though a draw would have been a fairer reflection of the first half.

The Azzurrini began the second half with the same eleven. Nunziata then made four changes, introducing Cerbone, Mancuso, Rao and Rispoli for Cama, Di Nunzio, Mosconi and Sala (55’). Pafundi fired over following an individual run two minutes later (57’). The turning point came when Germany broke forward and Verde caught Lum with a sliding challenge from behind, prompting the referee to show him a red card (59’). Italy had to reorganise, with Pafundi making way for Mirra (63’). Moerstedt doubled Germany’s lead after capitalising on two misplaced Italy passes, first from Rispoli and then from Amey (66’). Idele replaced Coletta and Mannini came on for Amey (70’) before Alfa-Ruprecht added a third after Stabile lost possession while playing out from the back (78’). Germany ran out 3-0 winners.

Carmine Nunziata’s side will return to action against France at 11:00 CEST on Saturday 3 October, once again at the Estadio Olímpico Camilo Cano in La Nucía.