Italy U17 Starts Strong: Perrillo’s Goal Defeats France 1-0 in Euro Debut
Hungary, May 27, 2026 — The Italian U17 national team made an immediate statement at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship, defeating France 1-0 in their opening Group A match. Lorenzo Perrillo’s clinical finish in the 62nd minute gave the Azzurrini a crucial victory, with head coach Francesco Franceschini praising his players’ character, and determination.
The win positions Italy favorably as they prepare for their second group match against Denmark, with a potential quarterfinal clash against either Spain or Germany on the horizon.
The Turning Point: Perrillo’s Clinical Finish
Italy’s attack came to life in the second half after a cautious first 45 minutes. The breakthrough came through 18-year-old Lorenzo Perrillo, who has been drawing comparisons to Inter Milan’s Niccolò Barella for his technical ability.
After a quick counterattack, Perrillo received the ball on the right flank and cut inside before unleashing a powerful shot into the top corner. French goalkeeper Hugo Martin had no chance to react, and the Azzurrini took the lead with just over an hour remaining.
Franceschini, who has led Italy’s U17 team since 2024, was quick to praise his players’ mental resilience:
“This victory is very vital for us. We needed to win at the debut to give ourselves confidence. The character of these players is what makes them special. They don’t give up, and that’s what we need in a tournament like this.”
Tactical Breakdown: Italy’s Defensive Solidity and Counterattacking Threat
Italy’s 3-5-2 formation proved effective against France’s more possession-oriented approach. The Azzurrini’s midfield trio, featuring emerging talents like Corigliano and Di Biagio, dominated the center of the park while Italy’s fullbacks provided constant width.
Key tactical elements:
- Defensive organization: Italy’s back three remained compact, forcing France to play through the midfield rather than exploit the wings.
- Quick transitions: When Italy won the ball, they looked to exploit France’s defensive structure with rapid vertical passes.
- Pressing triggers: The Azzurrini’s high pressing in the final third forced several French errors that led to their only goal.
France, who finished as runners-up in the 2025 U17 World Cup, struggled to break down Italy’s disciplined defense. Their most dangerous moments came from set pieces, but Italy’s defensive wall remained impenetrable.
Standout Performances: The Faces of Italy’s Victory
While Perrillo stole the show with his goal, several players deserve special mention:
- Lorenzo Perrillo (Inter Milan): The 1.82m winger combined pace, dribbling, and finishing to deliver the winning goal. His movement in the final third was particularly effective.
- Luca Corigliano (Atalanta): The midfield maestro controlled the tempo of the game with his passing range and vision. His assist to Perrillo set up Italy’s only goal.
- Defensive trio: Goalkeeper Mattia Rossi (Juventus), center-backs Matteo Franceschini (Roma) and Alessandro Bianchi (Milan) formed an impenetrable defensive unit.
- Young striker: 16-year-old Matteo Di Biagio (Fiorentina) was a constant threat in the box, although he missed a crucial header from a corner.
What This Means for Italy’s Euro Campaign
The victory gives Italy a strong foundation as they prepare for their remaining group matches:
- Group A standings: Italy (3 pts), Denmark (0), France (0), Portugal (0). The Azzurrini now top the group with a match in hand.
- Psychological advantage: The win will provide confidence ahead of their match against Denmark (May 30), who also defeated France 2-1 in their opener.
- Quarterfinal implications: A win against Denmark would see Italy finish top of Group A, likely earning them a quarterfinal against either Spain or Germany.
- Tournament experience: This victory continues Italy’s tradition of strong performances in youth tournaments, following their U19 Euro title in 2025.
Franceschini’s squad will need to maintain this form, particularly in midfield where they’ll face stiffer tests from Denmark’s technical players and Portugal’s physical presence.
Looking Ahead: Italy’s Path to the Final
Italy’s next match is crucial as they face Denmark on May 30 at the same venue in Budapest. The winner will likely advance to the knockout stages with a strong chance of reaching the quarterfinals.
If Italy wins their group, their potential quarterfinal opponents include:
- Spain (Group B winners)
- Germany (Group C winners)
- England (Group D winners)
The tournament continues with the quarterfinals on June 2, semifinals on June 5, and final on June 8 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.
Key Questions Answered
Who scored Italy’s winning goal?
Lorenzo Perrillo scored the only goal in the 62nd minute after an assist from Luca Corigliano.
What is Italy’s next match?
Italy faces Denmark on May 30 at 15:00 local time (13:00 UTC) in Budapest.
How does this victory affect Italy’s tournament chances?
The victory gives Italy a strong foundation, with a realistic chance to reach the semifinals if they maintain their form through the knockout stages.
Who are Italy’s key players to watch?
Lorenzo Perrillo (forward), Luca Corigliano (midfield), and the defensive trio of Mattia Rossi, Matteo Franceschini, and Alessandro Bianchi are the standout performers.
Italy’s U17 team has made a perfect start to their European Championship campaign with a well-deserved victory over France. With their next match against Denmark just days away, the Azzurrini will be looking to build on this momentum as they aim for a podium finish in Hungary.
For live updates and match analysis, follow UEFA’s official tournament page or check back with Archysport for comprehensive coverage throughout the competition.
What do you think of Italy’s chances? Will they go all the way? Share your predictions in the comments below.
