A 1-1 draw was the final result of the Under-19 National Team’s first friendly of 2020, as they took on Spain at the Ciudad del Futbol in Madrid. It was a tricky test two months ahead of European Elite Phase, which will take place from 25 to 31 Match and will see the Azzurrini, who qualified for this stage with a 100% record in Emilia Romagna last November, take on Slovenia, Iceland and Norway. Italy will be the hosts for this event.

It was an attractive and even contest, with Italy playing openly and on the front foot and they took the lead eleven minutes into the second half as Inter forward Edoardo Vergani headed home Calafiori’s cross. That goal woke up the Spanish hosts, who kept hold of the ball during the second half and grabbed the equaliser through Saiz one minute from time.

It was a test that provided Coach Bollini with some interesting insights ahead of their European commitments and gave six Azzurrini the joy of making their debuts: Sassuolo goalkeeper Stefano Turati, Roma and Fiorentina defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Christian Dalle Mura, Atalanta and Juventus midfielders Simone Panada and Franco Tongya and Inter striker Matias Fonseca.

Next up for the Under-19 National Team is a friendly against Switzerland in Lecco on 12 February; their final match before the Elite Phase.