The Under-17 National Team began their European Championship campaign in the best possible way: Carmine Nunziata’s side came from behind at the Tallaght Stadium in Dublin to beat Germany 3-1 in what was a display full of character and one which leaves Italy hopeful of doing well in this competition.

In the same tournament last year, the Azzurrini managed to reach the final before being unluckily defeated on penalties against Holland. This will no doubt provide Italy with more motivation as they look to go one better and claim the title this time around. Furthermore, a place in this year’s World Cup, which will take place in October in Brazil, is up for grabs in Ireland: five teams from this competition will qualify (the four semi-finalists plus a fifth team to be decided by a play-off match between the two best sides eliminated at the quarter-final stage).

For the match against the Germans, Nunziata lined his team up in a 4-3-1-2 formation with Bonfanti behind Esposito and Cudrig and a midfield trio consisting of Brentan, Panada and Tongya. In defence, Lamanna and Udogie started as Italy’s full-backs, while Dalle Mura and Pirola took to pitch as the central defenders in front of goalkeeper Molla.
Italy struggled slightly early on, with Germany coming out of the blocks quickly and playing a high pressing game. In the seventh minute, Calhanoglu had the first chance of the match, with his left-footed strike brushing the post. However, the same player went on to score eight minutes later as he managed to sneak in behind Dalle Mura and convert Beier’s cross from close range.

The early goal shook the Azzurrini into life and woke them from their slumber. Italy’s first dangerous attempt came through Esposito’s free kick four minutes after the goal, but German goalkeeper Schreiber managed to get his hands on it and put it behind for a corner. Esposito then tried his luck again with another set piece, but this time the ball grazed the crossbar. Italy kept on coming forward and deservedly managed to draw level after 28 minutes as Binfanti finished off a team move, albeit it took a fortuitous deflection before beating the man between the sticks.
Nunziata’s side took encouragement from this but could have conceded five minutes later, with Molla having to produce a fantastic save to keep out Calhanoglu following Woltemade’s inviting assist. With the danger averted, the Azzurrini regained the initiative and came close twice as the first half was drawing to a close, but Brentan was unable to find the back of the net with two efforts from outside the box within a minute of one another.

After the break, Italy’s attitude remained the same. Three minutes into the second half, Bonfanti was sent clear by Cudric, but the outrushing Schreiber did enough to keep the score level. Shortly afterwards, the German goalkeeper was called into action again as he guarded his near post well to deny Esposito.

The game continued to be an entertaining one with many dangerous situations developing. The best chances, however, were falling to Italy. In the 57th minute, Esposito’s shot from the edge of the box hit the underside of the bar but didn’t cross the line when it came back down.

German Head Coach Feichtenbeiner then decided to shake things up, making four changes in seven minutes. Obuz was one of the players to come on, and he shot wide as Germany looked to regain the advantage. In the 74th minute, the Germans came close again, with Calhanoglu’s left-footed strike skimming the post with Molla beaten.
With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Esposito stepped up to score a splendid free kick nine minutes from time to give the Azzurrini the lead.

In the closing stages, Germany threw everything at Italy, but the Azzurrini did well to keep them out and seal the match in added time thanks to a goal from Giovane, who managed to score after Schreiber was unable to hold Esposito’s shot.

This was a fantastic and important victory for the Azzurrini, whose next game is against Austria at the City Calling Stadium in Longford on Tuesday. A win could be enough to send Italy into the quarters at this early stage.

GERMANY 1-3 ITALY

Goalscorers: 15’ Beier, 28’ Bonfanti, 81’ Esposito, 90’+4’ Giovane

GERMANY (3-5-2): Schreiber, Lang (70’ Rosenboom), Dardai ©, Koudelka; Aydin (63’ Obuz), Tillman (84’ Samardzic), Meyer, John, Calhanoglu; Woltemade (63’ Netz), Beier (70’ Beifus).
Head Coach. Feichtenbeiner. Subs.: Atubol, Nebel, Kehl.
ITALY (4-3-1-2): Molla, Lamanna, Dalle Mura (76’ Riccio), Pirola, Udogie; Brentan, Panada ©, Tongya; Bonfanti (68’ Giovane); Esposito, Cudrig (83’ Colombo).
Coach. Nunziata. A Subs.: Gasparini, Ruggeri, Sekulov, Squizzato, Arlotti.

Referee: Donald Robertson (SCO). Assistants: Deniz Sokolov (BUL), Joaquim Da Silva (LUX); Quarto uomo: Paul Mclaughlin (IRL).
Bookings: Bonfanti, Lamanna, Meier