The semi-finals are a step away. After a 1-0 win against Portugal in their opening match, the U18s beat Greece 4-0 in the Mediterranean Games today and will be sure of a spot in the last four if Portugal fail to beat Turkey this evening. Otherwise, a draw against the Turks will be enough on Thursday.

In Mers El Hadjadj, Italy came close on a number of occasions in the first half but had to wait until the start of the second period to open the scoring: Antonio Raimondo, who bagged the winner against Portugal, was the man to get it as he turned home on the rebound after the opposition goalkeeper had denied Kumi. The Bologna man then netted a second in the 65th minute, taking advantage of a mistake in the Greek backline. Raimondo went on to bag a hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 90th minute after Sassuolo striker Luca D’Andrea had also converted a spot-kick with ten minutes left on the clock.

“I’m very pleased,” said Head Coach Daniele Franceschini. “Beyond the result, I liked the attitude that the team displayed. We were initially a bit tense, even if the strong wind affected the game. Then, after taking the lead, we dominated and the lads also enjoyed themselves. Now, we need to recuperate. We came here to play as best we can in every match with the aim of winning.”

Fixtures, results and standings in Group B

Matchday 1 (26 June)
Greece 1-2 Turkey
ITALY 1-0 Portugal

Matchday 2 (28 June)
ITALY 4-0 Greece 
20:00 local time (21:00 CEST) Portugal vs. Turkey (Sig)

Standings: ITALY 6 points, Turkey 3, Portugal and Greece 0

Matchday 3 (30 June)
17:00 local time (18:00 CEST) ITALY vs. Turkey (Oran)
17:00 local time (18:00 CEST) Portugal vs. Greece (Sig)