Today marks a very prestigious victory for Italy’s Under-16 side, who defeated Germany 4-3 in a sensational second and final friendly at the “Giovanni Chiggiato” Municipal Stadium in Caorle, in the province of Venice, after Friday’s 1-1 draw. The result echoes the legendary “Game of the Century” played on 17 June 1970 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

Italy took the lead just five minutes in through AC Milan forward Gabriele Borsa, who had been called up the previous day to replace the unavailable Pietro Salvai (Juventus). They doubled their advantage in the 19th minute with a goal from Genoa playmaker Roberto Scaglione. Before half-time, after Italy’s third goal, which once again came from Borsa in the 28th minute, Germany started to close in with goals from RB Leipzig defender Vincent Clair in the 30th minute and Hannover forward Milo Barde in the 44th.

In the second half, Manuel Pasqual’s side made it 4-2 thanks to Borsa’s precise spot kick in the 51st minute, completing his hat-trick. The visitors managed to score again in the 70th minute through Barde, who completed his brace. Late in stoppage time, the 95th minute, Italy were down to ten men following Roma midfielder Mattia Guaglianone being sent off.

The Azzurri coach commented, “This is more than a positive result. The team trained very well this week, adapting to the pitch, which, as I mentioned after the first match, wasn’t in the best condition, forcing both us and Germany to adjust our style of play.”

Italy will return to action on 21 and 24 April at the “Torquato Bresciani” Stadium in Viareggio (20:30 CEST) and the Olympic Preparation Centre in Tirrenia (11:00 CEST), respectively, to face Denmark. Pasqual noted, “Our objective is to widen the options available to the National Team. So far, thanks to the excellent work of the staff and scouting network, we are doing well, as we’ve found players who follow our techniques, understand the tactical approach, and can adapt when we are forced to change it, as was the case in these two matches against Germany.”