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A little less than a year ago, it was the night of triumph. Tonight, it’s one of bittersweet pride.
The Under-17 National Team and reigning European champions were eliminated in the semi-finals at the Arena Kombëtare in Tirana, with Portugal winning 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regular time. The dream of reaching a fifth final in Italy’s history has thus come to an end. Nevertheless, it’s been an important journey for Massimiliano Favo’s side, who were just one step away from the last act.

The final, also in Tirana, will be played on Sunday 1 June (20:30 CEST, live on UEFA TV), but Italy won’t be involved. Instead, Portugal and France, who beat Belgium 3-2 in Elbasan earlier in the day, will compete for the title.

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The Azzurrini took the lead in the 20th minute through Borussia Dortmund playmaker Samuele Inácio, but Benfica talent Stevan equalised on the 28-minute mark. In the second half, Favo’s boys restored their advantage just before the hour mark thanks to Empoli midfielder Alessio Baralla, but Benfica striker Tomás Soares levelled matters after 67 minutes. In the penalty shootout, Romário Cunha’s save to thwart West Bromwich Albion defender Amihere Iddrisa sent Portugal through.

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“It’s a shame for the boys, because they’ve had an extraordinary European Championship: from the first round of qualifying until today, we didn’t lose a match,” said the Head Coach. “We had the opportunity to win with the fifth penalty kick, but unfortunately luck wasn’t on our side. I congratulate Portugal, who are an excellent team. We bow out with our heads held high.”

Italy 2-2 Portugal (3-4 on penalties)

Italy (4-3-1-2): Nava; Iddrisa, Bovio, De Paoli, Mambuku (83' Giani); Steffanoni, Baralla (83' Comotto), Luongo © (73' Prisco ©); Inácio; Arena (83' Maccaroni), Elimoghale (56' Campaniello). Substitutes: Maran (P), Borasio, Pavesi, Zanaga. Head Coach: Massimiliano Favo.

Portugal (4-3-3): Romário Cunha; Daniel Banjaqui (90'+1 Gabriel Dbouk), Chelmik, Mauro Furtado, José Neto; Mateus Mide, Rafael Quintas © (68' Santi Verdi), Bernardo Lima ©; Duarte Cunha (60' Tomás Soares), Anísio (60' Yoan Pereira), Stevan (68' Gil Neves). Substitutes: Alex Tverdohlebov (P), Zeega, Ricardo Neto, João Aragão. All.: Bino.

Referee: Joey Kooij (NED). Assistants: Dyon Fikkert (NED) e Olli Jantunen (FIN). Fourth official: Florian Lata (ALB).

Goalscorers: 20' Inácio (ITA), 28' Stevan (POR), 59' Baralla (ITA), 67' Tomás Soares (POR).
Penalties: Tomás Soares (POR) saved, Comotto (ITA) saved, Yoan Pereira (POR) scored, Prisco (ITA) scored, Gil Neves (POR) scored, Giani (ITA) scored, Mateus Mide (POR) scored, Inácio (ITA) scored, Gabriel Dbouk (POR) saved, Maccaroni (ITA) saved, Chelmik (POR) scored, Iddrisa (ITA) saved.
Notes:  Daniel Banjaqui (POR) 13', Mambuku (ITA) 15', Mateus Mide (POR) 45', Elimoghale (ITA) 45'+1, Steffanoni (ITA) 90'. Stoppage time: 2', 0'. Inácio (ITA) penalty saved by Romário Cunha (POR) 20'.