Under 19 European Championships, Italy beats Spain and is in the final with Portugal – Corriere.it

It is about theUnder 19 by Alberto Bollini which, perhaps even unexpectedly on the eve, they eliminated Spain (3-2, 13 July) and are now in the final at the European Championships category underway in Malta. Sunday July 16th face Portugal (in the meantime he knocked out Norway, with a peremptory 5-0), who have already beaten the Azzurrini in the group stage (5-1, 6 July).

There is, therefore, another Italy that amazes. With his talents to watch for the (near) future. In defense there is the ductile Michael Kayode, who plays in the Spring of Florentine by Alberto Aquilani. She celebrated his 19th birthday just a few days ago, on July 10, and is showing everyone what she’s made of. a right back, who can also play on the left, also useful as a winger in a five-man midfield or, as happened with Spain, as a winger in the offensive trident. His speed created havoc in the Iberian defence.

But after Vignato’s blue advantage and Vctor Barber’s draw, Italy doubled up with Peas, to then be grabbed back by Spain, with the seal of Gasiorowski. And when everything seemed ready, he thought about it Luke Lipani with a header to push the Azzurrini into the final. Expelled, naively against Portugal in the group stage, now the Genoa midfielder can take revenge. And who knows if with Alberto Gilardino, who has promoted him among the greats since the Spring, he can also make his debut in Serie A.

Now for the final Bollini clings to the goals of his forwards: Luis Hasa, Samuele Vignato and Francesco Pio Esposito. The first child of Albanian parents, plays in the Juventus Primavera (and ready for the Juventus Under 23 team) and against Spain he played mezzala. The second, forward of the Monza, was one of the heroes of the match against the Iberians: he has Brazilian origins (from his mother’s side) and has a great idol, Ronaldinho. one who carelessly dribbles opponents, as if he were really playing in the backyard with his friends. And what about the smaller than the Espositos? Grew up in Inter’s nursery, starred at the World Cup with the Under 20. He really wants to make up for the world championship knockout in La Plata, but aware of how tough it is to face Portugal.

Finally, against the Lusitanians there will be – having served the disqualification with Spain – Cher Ndour. a midfielder and has just signed a five-year contract with PSG. His story began in the oratory of the church of Santa Maria Nascente, in the Fiumicello district of Brescia, and then ended up in the Primavera delle Rondinelle and subsequently in the precious nursery of Atalanta. However, his qualities attracted the attention of Benfica who bought him on 1 July 2021, when the boy was only 16 (born on 27 July 2004). Cos Ndour played for Benfica B, winning the Youth League – the Champions League for young players – scoring three goals (one in the final) and assisting in nine appearances. Not bad. And here, then, is the leap to PSG. A young talent but with the right experience for Sunday’s final. With the hope that Italy can win their sixth Under-19 European Championship: a success that hasn’t been around since 2003 (2-0 to Portugal) and only came close in 2008 (3-1 defeat against Germany), in 2016 (4-0 defeat against France) and in 2018 (4- defeat 3 in extra time against Portugal).