The first meeting of season for the National Under 17 side has come to a close with a 3-1 victory against Fiorentina U17. The team came together for five days of work ahead of their tournament in Germany in early September, where they will be up against the German, Belgian and Israeli sides of their age group. Their recent friendly match against the purple youth side was decided by the two first-half goals scored by Inter forward Degnand Wilfried Gnonto, as well as Empoli midfielder Tommaso Baldanzi’s second-half finish.

"It went well,” said Coach Daniele Zoratto, “the lads managed to do what we’ve worked on in training and they had a good match. Obviously we can and must improve, but I'm satisfied with this as a starting point. We have a lot of options, and there are even more exciting players who weren’t available right now but who will certainly be involved in the future.”

Finalists of the most recent European Championship, the Under 17s will make their debut in the next continental tournament next October 24 in Luxembourg, in a round that will see them face up against their corresponding age category of the hosts, Turkey and Northern Ireland.

"It is now vital,” warned Zoratto, “that we pass through the first round and qualify for the elite phase. The tournament in Germany will be able to provide us with important information, aside from that I expect development and respect from all of the boys. It’s fine to make a mistake with your touch or a pass, but when you put on this Azzurri shirt you must never come up short in terms of commitment or desire.”

Photos (Getty/FIGC): Home page - Inter forward Degnand Wilfried Gnonto; Above - National U17 Coach Daniele Zoratto.