Gubbio, Italy – In a thrilling display of resilience, Italy’s Under-17 national team secured a vital 3-2 victory over reigning European champions Portugal on Wednesday, marking a triumphant start to the second phase of their European Championship qualifying campaign. The match, played at the Stadio Pietro Barbetti, saw the Azzurrini overcome a two-goal deficit thanks to a spirited second-half performance spearheaded by Diego Perillo, Roberto Okon and Jacopo Landi.
The victory, secured under the guidance of head coach Daniele Franceschini, is a significant boost for Italy as they aim to qualify for the European Championship finals, which will be held in Estonia from May 25th to June 7th, 2026. The comeback win demonstrates a growing maturity and tactical flexibility within the young Italian squad.
Early Setbacks for the Azzurrini
Despite a promising start, Italy found themselves trailing early in the contest. Portugal took the lead in the 11th minute when Gustavo Guerra capitalized on a cross from Batista, expertly finishing past Italy goalkeeper Lupo. Just four minutes later, the Portuguese doubled their advantage. A long ball found Afonso Ferreirinha, who exploited a misjudgment from Lupo to slot the ball into the net, leaving Italy with a steep uphill battle.
A Second-Half Revival Fueled by Perillo
Franceschini’s halftime adjustments clearly resonated with the team, as Italy emerged with renewed determination. The comeback began almost immediately after the restart, with Diego Perillo finding the back of the net in the 46th minute. The goal, assisted by Fugazzola, ignited the Italian side and breathed life into their qualifying hopes.
The momentum continued to swing in Italy’s favor just five minutes later. A well-worked passing sequence culminated in a cross from Corigliano, finding Roberto Okon Engstler unmarked at the far post. Okon calmly finished, leveling the score at 2-2 and sending the home crowd into raptures. The game had completely transformed, with Italy now firmly in the ascendancy.
Landi Seals a Remarkable Turnaround
The Portuguese, reeling from Italy’s relentless pressure, began to falter. A costly error from goalkeeper Marques proved decisive, gifting Jacopo Landi with the opportunity to score the winning goal in the 75th minute. Landi made no mistake, completing a remarkable turnaround for the Azzurrini. Italy nearly added a fourth in stoppage time, with Landi hitting the post, but the 3-2 scoreline was enough to secure the victory.
Standout Performances and Tactical Observations
Diego Perillo was undoubtedly the standout performer for Italy, consistently threatening the Portuguese defense and scoring a crucial goal to kickstart the comeback. Okon Engstler’s composed finish and overall contribution to the attacking play also earned him high praise, while Jacopo Landi’s decisive goal off the bench proved to be the game-winner. Albini, the Italian left-back, also delivered a strong performance, demonstrating energy and defensive solidity throughout the match.
However, the match wasn’t without its shortcomings for Italy. Goalkeeper Lupo had a tough outing, being at fault for Portugal’s second goal and appearing unsteady at times. Diallo also struggled to impose himself on the game, while Ballarin and Gasparello were less impactful than their teammates.
Portugal’s Key Players and Areas for Improvement
For Portugal, Gustavo Guerra and Afonso Ferreirinha were the main attacking threats, both finding the net in the first half. However, the Portuguese midfield struggled to control the game in the second half, and their defense appeared vulnerable to Italy’s relentless attacks. Cabecana, in particular, had a difficult time containing the Italian wingers, while I. Silva failed to replicate his usual form.
What’s Next for Italy U17?
Italy U17 will continue their European Championship qualifying campaign on October 1st to 7th, facing Montenegro, Ukraine, and hosts Estonia in Group 1. The tournament in Estonia will serve as the final stage of qualification for the 2026 European Championship finals. The team will undoubtedly look to build on this impressive victory and carry the momentum into their upcoming matches. Daniele Franceschini will be looking to further refine his squad and tactical approach as they aim to secure a place at the tournament.
This victory is a testament to the dedication of the players and the tactical acumen of coach Franceschini. It sets a positive tone for the remainder of the qualifying campaign and provides a platform for continued success.
Fans can follow the Italy U17 team’s progress and receive official updates through the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) website: https://www.figc.it/en/national-teams/
