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The U16s suffered a 3-0 defeat to Portugal in the first of two friendlies scheduled over three days at the Coverciano Federal Technical Centre.
The Azzurrini fell behind just before the break, with Sporting Lisbon defender Samuel Tavares opening the scoring in the 44th minute. Italy went close to an equaliser after the restart, hitting the post through Inter full-back Alessandro Foroni (56’), but Portugal doubled their lead thanks to winger José Garrafa, also of Sporting Lisbon, after 68 minutes. The Azzurrini were awarded a penalty in the 76th minute after a foul on Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Maximilian Donner, who stepped up but was thwarted by Vitória Guimarães goalkeeper Tiago Xavier. Italy were reduced to ten men late on when substitute Fortune Erhunmwun Egharevba was sent off for a foul on Tomás Pedrosa (81’). Portugal wrapped up the win in stoppage time: after Gonçalo Santos had seen his penalty saved, Sporting Braga’s José Carvalho was first to the rebound to make it 3-0.
“We ran into some difficulties,” admitted head coach Manuel Pasqual. However, we expected that, because Portugal are an excellent side, made up of many players who are competing in higher age groups in their respective leagues, and who possess great quality and real athleticism.
“We knew we might struggle in the build-up, because they weren’t going to give us much space. In the first half, our approach was too passive: we weren’t quick enough in moving the ball and didn’t do well enough out of possession. In the second half, however, we approached the game in a completely different way. The 3-0 scoreline is a heavy one, but it will help us in our work and in improving ahead of Thursday’s match.”