Argentina Sharpens Edge with 1-0 Victory Over U-20 Squad
EZEIZA, Argentina – The senior Argentina national team continued its preparations for upcoming international fixtures with a 1-0 victory over the Argentina Under-20 squad in a training match held at the Ezeiza training complex on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The friendly served as a valuable exercise for head coach Lionel Scaloni to assess his squad and experiment with different lineups ahead of their match against Zambia.
The match, divided into two 40-minute halves, saw José Manuel López score the lone goal for the senior team. This friendly came after a less-than-convincing performance against Mauritania on Friday night at La Bombonera, where Argentina secured a 2-1 win. Scaloni used the opportunity to give playing time to players who saw limited action in the previous match, although those who featured prominently against Mauritania focused on recovery.
Scaloni Rotates Squad, Focuses on Depth
The decision to split the squad reflects Scaloni’s emphasis on managing player workload and broadening his options as he finalizes his roster for the upcoming Copa del Mundo. Players who started against Mauritania engaged in regenerative work in the gym, adhering to the team’s physical conditioning plan. This approach aims to balance fitness levels and provide opportunities for evaluation ahead of crucial matches.
The starting lineup for the senior team featured Gerónimo Rulli in goal, a backline of Agustín Giay, Lucas Martínez Quarta, Nicolás Otamendi, and Nicolás Tagliafico, and a midfield comprised of Valentín Barco, Leandro Paredes, and Exequiel Palacios. The attack was led by Gianluca Prestianni, José López, and Nicolás Paz. Later in the match, substitutions were made, bringing in Máximo Perrone, Franco Mastantuono, Giuliano Simeone, Juan Musso, Gabriel Rojas, and Tomás Palacios. Only six players from the starting eleven had played significant minutes against Mauritania.
López’s Goal Highlights Attacking Options
José López’s goal, the only score of the match, underscores his continued progress and potential contribution to the national team. The goal provides Scaloni with another attacking option as he assesses his forward line. The coaching staff is clearly evaluating all available players to determine the optimal squad composition for the challenges ahead.
Nicolás Otamendi also gained valuable minutes in the match, further solidifying his role within the team. The veteran defender’s experience and leadership are considered vital assets for Argentina as they prepare for competitive fixtures.
Rest and Preparation for Zambia Clash
Following the match against the U-20 squad, Scaloni granted the players a day off, with the team scheduled to reconvene on Monday. This decision allows the players to rest and recover before focusing on their upcoming match against Zambia. The break is intended to ensure the squad is physically and mentally prepared for the challenge.
Players who featured more prominently in the match against Mauritania, including Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, and Thiago Almada, continued their recovery work in the gym. This targeted approach to conditioning is designed to optimize their performance and prevent injuries.
What’s Next for Argentina?
Argentina will face Zambia in a friendly international on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. This match will provide a further opportunity for Scaloni to fine-tune his tactics and assess his players’ form before the Copa del Mundo. The team will be looking to build on their recent performances and gain momentum as they approach the tournament. Fans can follow updates on the AFA’s official website (https://www.afa.com.ar/es/posts/entrenamiento-de-futbol-ante-el-sub-20) for the latest news, and information.
The match against Zambia represents a crucial step in Argentina’s preparations for the Copa del Mundo, and Scaloni will be hoping to see his team deliver a strong performance. The focus will be on building cohesion, refining tactical approaches, and ensuring that all players are in peak condition for the tournament.
