Spain strike in extra-time to knock holders Italy out of U19 Euro 2024
Italy U19 Men's National Team side are out of the 2024 European Championship after a 1-0 semi-final defeat against Spain at Belfast's Windsor Park, with the only goal of the game coming in extra-time.
Bernardo Corradi's side came into the semi-final in Northern Ireland as the reigning champions and appeared to have the stronger side on paper, but failed to make the most of their possession throughout the 90 minutes.
The first half passed by with minimal incident, as neither team was able to carve out any clear-cut chances. Simone Pafundi hit a good free-kick that went narrowly wide, whilst Francesco Camarda received a booking for a perceived dive in the penalty area.
AC Milan's talented youngsters fall short
The second half began with a lot more intensity from the Azzurrini and Kevin Zeroli should have opened the scoring with what was by far the best chance of the game at that stage.
AC Milan youngster Davide Bartesaghi, who made his Serie A and Champions League debuts last season under Stefano Pioli, raced down the left and played a low ball to Zeroli whose first-time shot was wide of the post. It was a position from which he should have at least hit the target.
Zeroli and Bartesaghi are two of five Milan players in this Italy squad, with 16-year-old sensation Francesco Camarda being another, along with Diego Sia and Vittorio Magni.
Extra-time in Belfast
Italy failed to really build on that chance but they were certainly the team that looked most likely to score as the game ticked towards 90 minutes, with extra-time looming.
With another half an hour to be played, it was Spain who had more of the ball and they found the breakthrough after 100 minutes. A smart move down the left saw the ball played into the box where Pol Fortuny was waiting to smash it into the back of the net, sparking wild celebrations and leaving Italy with 20 minutes to save themselves.
The Azzurrini were able to apply plenty of pressure but Spain appeared to have more in the tank and could have scored again towards the end of the 120 minutes. They will face either France or Ukraine in the final.