The Azzurrini may have missed out on a medal, but they leave the Mediterranean Games with a different kind of reward. Morocco claimed a 4-1 victory over Italy in the bronze-medal match, but the experience gained by Franceschini’s side could prove more valuable than a medal itself. Five matches in nine days, and above all the chance to test themselves against opponents at least three years older, have given the Italy U18s a wealth of experience to carry into their next challenges, including the World Cup in November.

FRANCESCHINI. Italy’s tournament came to an end, and just minutes after the final whistle coach Daniele Franceschini reflected on the experience: “The boys gave everything they had. With such a demanding schedule, playing every two days, we arrived tired, but we’re not looking for excuses when it comes to the result. I congratulated the team because these are the kind of games that help you grow. When we were 3-0 down, we reacted and deserved to make it 3-2. We paid the price for the effort we made to get back into the game and, after it became 4-1, we had little left in the tank. We’re going home having gained valuable experience that will help us in the challenges ahead.”

THE MATCH. For their fifth game in nine days, Franceschini welcomed Olivieri and Baffoh back into midfield after both had been suspended for the semi-final against Tunisia. Casagrande led the line, supported by Landi, Guaglianone and Rocca in behind. Morocco, however, took the lead after just nine minutes: a gap opened up in the Azzurrini defence, Mounssef was played through and made no mistake. Italy moved the ball well after falling behind but struggled to find a way in behind, while also having to contend with Morocco’s pace out wide. Landi came close after a burst forward in the 35th minute, but his effort was straight at the goalkeeper.

Franceschini reshaped his side at the break, bringing on Diallo for Gaffurini in central defence and switching from a 4-1-4-1 to a 4-3-1-2, with Giammattei and Perillo replacing Rocca and Casagrande. Morocco struck again almost immediately, though, as Eddaoudi’s superbly placed right-footed effort beat Sonzogni to make it 2-0. Five minutes later, the North Africans extended their lead further, with Essaadi punishing Italy to make it 3-0. However, the Azzurrini refused to give up. Giammattei sparked the comeback with a brilliant run before firing a low diagonal finish beyond Antra. The goal lifted Italy, who created further chances to get firmly back into the contest. After Guaglianone fired over, Landi came within inches of making it 3-2 with a shot from a promising position in the 65th minute. Morocco, however, restored their three-goal advantage with 15 minutes remaining, as Benomar unleashed an unstoppable outside-of-the-foot strike from 20 metres. The 4-1 scoreline brought Franceschini’s side’s Mediterranean Games adventure to an end.

ITALY 1-4 MOROCCO

Italy (4-2-3-1): Sonzogni; Dattilo, Gaffurini (46’ Diallo), Donato, Albini (78’ Rigo); Olivieri, Baffoh; Landi, Guaglianone (70’ Corigliano), Rocca (46’ Giammattei); Casagrande (46’ Perillo). Subs: Lupo, Ballarin. Head coach: Franceschini.

Morocco (4-3-3): Antra; Bouhaddi, Jamal, Benomar, Zinebi (46’ Essaadi); Khaderi (88’ Zouhir), Kasbi (46’ Arkid), Soukrat; Raji (83’ Gourari), Mounssef (70’ Iguiz), Eddaoudi. Subs: Azouagh. Head coach: Batelli.

Goals: 9’ Mounssef (M), 47’ Eddaoudi (M), 50’ Essaadi (M), 59’ Giammattei (I), 75’ Benomar (M)

Referee: Ristov (North Macedonia)
Assistant referees: Ismail (Tunisia), Nikoloski (North Macedonia)
Fourth official: Belaid (Tunisia)

Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026

Men’s Football Tournament

Group A: Morocco, Türkiye, Tunisia, North Macedonia
Group B: ITALY, Algeria, Kosovo, Albania

Group B Fixtures

Matchday 1, Saturday 22 August
Algeria-Kosovo 2-1
ITALY-Albania 1-1

Matchday 2, Monday 24 August
Albania-Kosovo 3-1
ITALY-Algeria 3-1

Matchday 3, Wednesday 26 August
Algeria-Albania 2-0
Kosovo-ITALY 3-0

Group B Standings
Algeria 6, Italy and Albania 4, Kosovo 0

Semi-finals, Friday 28 August | Taranto
SF1) Tunisia-Italy 3-1
SF2) Algeria-Morocco 5-4 AET

Finals, Sunday 30 August | Taranto
3rd place: Italy-Tunisia 1-4
1st place: Tunisia-Algeria, 19:00 CEST