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Mission accomplished for Italy’s Under-16 national team, who secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Japan at the ‘Léo Lagrange’ Sports Centre in Bonneuil-sur-Marne, winning the 27th edition of the ‘Val de Marne’ International Tournament. The triumph comes four years after Italy’s last victory in the competition, when the team was coached by current Deputy Coordinator of the Men’s Youth National Teams, Daniele Zoratto (5 November 2022). This marks Italy’s fourth title in the tournament’s history, following their triumphs in 2007 and 2019, led respectively by Antonio Rocca – who now oversees the Under-15 National Team – and Bernardo Corradi.
The Azzurrini initially fell behind after Atsuto Oishi, a defender for Taiyo Sports Club, scored Japan’s opening goal in the 33rd minute. However, Italy turned the game around thanks to goals from Abdel Salam Musah and Marco Vaccarella, midfielders playing for Fiorentina and Juventus respectively, who found the net in the 33rd and 66th minutes.
With this result, Giovanni Costantino’s team finishes the tournament with a perfect record and nine points to their name, having beaten England 4–2 in their opening match (27 October) and tournament hosts France 2–1 three days ago.
‘It has been a wonderful experience for our players, who have shown that they can compete against anyone,’ said the Italian coach. ‘This victory belongs above all to them, but also to all of the staff, both coaching and non-coaching, and to the whole of Club Italia. Everyone, from the first person to the last, has contributed to achieving this important milestone, which had been missing from the federation’s trophy cabinet since 2022. Naturally, a special mention must also go to our Head of Delegation (Ciro Immobile, ed.), who day after day has been able to share his values and experiences with the group. Our campaign has been perfect: the players have been exceptional both on and off the pitch, visibly improving with every match. It has been a tremendous honour for all of us to represent Italy and raise our country’s profile through this success. I would like to finish by also thanking the scouts who follow these players week after week and provide us with all the information we need to make the best possible selections.’
THE SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Matteo Bondone (Genoa), Tommaso Sgrò (Parma);
Defenders: Matthew Appiah Boateng (Parma), Luca Arzuffi (Atalanta), Andrea Bernasconi (Milan)**, Niccolò Chieffallo (Roma), Samuele Ferraresso (Atalanta), Saverio Angelo Mesecorto (Sassuolo), Fabrizio Pasotti (Cremonese), Adrien Tato (Milan);
Midfielders: Francesco Buondonno (Napoli), Achille Cremonesi (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.
*** Released from the squad on 31 October.
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
Standings: ITALY 6, England 3, Japan 2, France 1
Third matchday (Saturday 31 October)
ITALY 2-1 Japan
France 6-0 England
Standings: ITALY 9, France 4, England 3, Japan 2.