What must Italy do to qualify for the second round of the Under 20 World Cup? The combinations against the Dominican Republic

Winning with many goal difference. This is what he will have to try to do the Italy of Carmine Nunziata in the last match of the group stage Under 20 World Cup, underway in Argentina. Up for grabs, against the Dominican Republic, is the passage to the round of 16. After the splendid victory for 3-2 on Brazil on debut, the blues lost 2-0 against Nigeria lacking direct qualification. But nothing is lost. Indeed, in the event of success, the passage to the final phase would be almost certain.

By beating the Dominican Republic, in fact, Italy will almost certainly be one of the best four third-place finisherssheltering himself from a possible disadvantage in the separated classification in case of arrival on equal points with Nigeria e Brazil. If the green-and-gold, victorious 6-0 in the second day, should also overcome the Africans, the three teams would all have 6 points. And at that point the regulation of the group stage would come into play.

Group stage rules

The regulations of the Under 20 World Cup require them to qualify for the knockout stage the two winners of each group and the best four third classified. In order to determine the classification in case of pure points finish, FIFA takes into account, in order, the following criteria: total points, goal difference, goals scored. So nothing is compromised. Indeed, in the event of a knockout against Nigeria, a victory with four or more goals difference would give Italy second place in group D. While Brazil, thanks to the six goals scored against the Dominican Republic, winning the last game would be almost certain to be first.

It is certain that, Sunday 27 May (kick-off at 20 Italian time), to continue dreaming, the best Italy possible will be needed. The one seen on his debut, capable of beating the strongest national team in the world. Nunziata and the Azzurri are aware of it. And they are ready to give everything against a Dominican Republic already out of the picture.

THE STANDINGS OF GROUP D

1. Nigeria 6 points (4 goals scored, 1 conceded: goal difference +3)
2. Brazil 3 points (8 goals scored, 3 conceded: goal difference +5 )
3. Italia 3 points (3 goals scored, 4 conceded: -1 goal difference)
4. Dominican Republic 0 points (1 goal scored, 8 conceded: goal difference -7)

Photo: Lapresse