Italy’s Under-21 national football team secured a dramatic 1–0 victory against Armenia in Yerevan, keeping their qualification hopes alive for the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Albania and Serbia. As expected before kickoff, Italy faced the group underdogs in this penutlimate Group E fixture, yet everyone anticipated a landslide victory rather than a struggle that required a stoppage-time breakthrough.
Cisse Breaks Deadlock at the Death in Yerevan
Previously, the squad coached by Silvio Baldini had put five goals past the Armenians in an encounter dating back a year.
Missed Chances and Frustration Before the Late Winner
Head coach Silvio Baldini’s side dominated possession and forced 13 corner kicks compared to Armenia’s two, but squandered numerous scoring opportunities throughout the match. With Bartesaghi unavailable due to suspension, the Italian manager deployed Moruzzi on the left of the defence and, compared to the previous match against Sweden in March, positioned Camarda in the center of the attack alongside a three-man midfield of Pisilli, Lipani, and Ndour. Cisse struck the crosscut with a curling effort in the 55th minute, and teammate Pietro Comuzzo hit the frame with a header in the 70th minute. Ghazaryan also made two saves in stoppage time against Cisse and Cherubini before Cisse scored into the top corner from close range after the goalkeeper parried Cherubini’s initial shot in the 95th minute. ansa.it noted that Baldini turned to his bench in the second half, introducing Cisse, Lulli, and Liberali in place of captain Lipani, Fini, and Favasuli to inject fresh attacking momentum.
Standings Implications and the Decisive Clash Against Poland
With the hard-fought victory, Italy moved to 24 points in Group E, sitting three points behind group leaders Poland. Because Poland won the previous head-to-head encounter 2-1 and holds a superior overall goal difference of +24 compared to Italy’s +21, a simple victory will not suffice; Baldini’s team must win by a margin of at least two goals to claim the top spot. Group winners and the best runner-up advance directly to the tournament proper, while the remaining eight runners-up enter the play-offs.
Coach Baldini Reflects on a Narrow Escape
Reflecting on the tense encounter, Baldini admitted relief after his side avoided a costly stumble against the group underdogs. “After two woodwork hits, a missed penalty, and other chances we failed to convert, this was one of those classic matches that seem easy but turn into cursed challenges. I have lost dominated matches before, but I stayed calm, because when you reach a certain age, the emotion is no longer the fear of losing but the hope that the lads can reap what they deserve. We scored in the last minute, but it counts just as much. Now we focus on Poland for the direct clash, and we can do it.”
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