The Under-20 National Team suffered their second consecutive friendly defeat today at the Oliva Nova Sports Center, where Germany ran out emphatic 5-0 winners. While last Friday’s 2-1 loss to Portugal in Viareggio felt harsh – decided by a stoppage-time goal after a good overall performance – today was a different story altogether.

Match report. Carmine Nunziata stuck with seven of the players who started against Portugal. Zenti, Reale, Stabile, De Pieri, Mannini, Nuamah and Colombo were all named in the starting XI again, while Aidoo, Spinaccé, Stante and Berretta came in for Postiglione, Lavelli, Romano and Rispoli. Looking only at the final score, you’d think Germany had dominated from start to finish. That wasn’t quite the case. The first half unfolded in mostly balanced fashion, with neither side creating much in the way of clear-cut chances. Then came the turning point in the 37th minute: Berretta arrived late on Suso inside the box and the referee awarded a penalty, which Brunner converted (40’). Within the next four minutes, Italy conceded twice more: both goals were scored by centre-forward Moerstedt (42’ and 44’), who has made six Bundesliga appearances for Hoffenheim this season.

The gap with Germany was clear once again – both physically and in terms of experience – just as it had been in the last pre-World Cup friendly in September, which the Azzurrini lost 4-0. Too soft defensively, the Azzurrini struggled to muster any real reaction after the break. Between the end of the first half and the start of the second, Nunziata made five changes: Lavelli, Pagnucco, Rispoli, Romano and Sardo replaced Berretta, Colombo, De Pieri, Mannini and Reale. The second half followed a similar pattern to the opening 45: chances were few and far between until the 82nd minute, when captain Ulrich scored Germany’s fourth. Five minutes later, Brunner completed his brace with a solo effort. There was little else to report, aside from Italy’s final substitutions: Berenbruch came on for Spinaccé (80’), while Riccio took Nuamah’s place (88’). The Azzurrini are left with a heavy defeat to digest, but also with the awareness they’re gaining valuable experience that they will aim to put to good use next year.