In the group stage of EURO 2023 U19, U19 Italy and U19 Portugal faced each other. The Azzurri lost heavily with a score of 1-5, then ranked second in Group A.
But in the final, U19 Italy played better. They took the initiative to take the lead, controlling the game in the first half.
Their attacks created a constant threat from both wings after coach Alberto Bollini made some tactical adjustments. In the 19th minute, Michael Kayode headed the opening goal after Luis Hasa's delicate cross from the left wing.
Immediately after that, Juventus midfielder Hasa had a chance to double the gap with a close-range approach but was denied by Portuguese goalkeeper Antonio Ribeiro.
They played a solid defense in the second half. With the advantage of leading, Italy played with a 4-5-1 formation, causing difficulties for Portugal. Despite trying to put pressure, Portugal appeared to be quite stuck. They should have equalized with Martim Fernandes' header, but goalkeeper Davide Mastrantonio successfully blocked it.
Francesco Pio Esposito and Emanuel Vignato of U19 Italy also had two more notable opportunities to but unfortunately could not take advantage.
In the end, U19 Italy won 1-0 and won the EURO U19 championship after a 20-year wait.
This is Italy's second European title at the U19 level. They won the championship for the first time in 2003, after defeating Portugal in the final.
