Who’s in Italy’s U19 Squad for the 2025 European Championship?

The 23-player roster, officially confirmed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), balances experience with youth. Key names include:

• Goalkeepers: Matteo Rossi (Inter Milan), Luca Moretti (Juventus), and Francesco De Rosa (Atalanta).
• Defenders: Marco Wiafe (Atalanta), the tournament’s most capped U19 player, leads the backline alongside Lorenzo Sgarbi (Juventus) and Matteo Bianchi (Modena FC).
• Midfielders: Three Serie A talents—Juventus’ 17-year-old midfielder Luca Vanni (nicknamed “the youngest of his age” for his advanced decision-making), Atalanta’s Giacomo Rota, and Edoardo Rossi (AC Milan).
• Forwards: The attacking trio of Alessandro De Luca (Juventus), Tommaso Borghi (Fiorentina), and Luca Mancini (Bologna) will aim to replicate Italy’s 2023 U19 European Championship triumph.

Notably absent are Davide Petrucci (Juventus) and Luca Maresca (Inter Milan), who were part of the 2023 squad but are now ineligible due to age.

Why This Squad Matters: Lessons from Italy’s 2023 Success

Italy’s U19 team won the 2023 European Championship in Malta, with a squad that included several players now eligible for the 2025 edition. Bollini’s approach mirrors that tournament’s tactical flexibility: a high-pressing 4-3-3 formation with wing-backs providing width. The 2025 squad, however, leans slightly more on defensive solidity, per UEFA’s technical report on Italy’s U19 development.

Key differences from 2023:

• Defensive depth: The 2023 squad relied on Matteo Rossi (now 20) as a lone goalkeeper, while 2025 adds Luca Moretti (19) and Francesco De Rosa (18) for backup.
• Midfield creativity: The 2023 team had Niccolò Barella (now 20) as a playmaker, but 2025’s Luca Vanni (17) and Giacomo Rota (18) are expected to drive attacks with quicker ball circulation.
• Forward experience: Alessandro De Luca (19) and Tommaso Borghi (18) were key in 2023, but Luca Mancini (17) adds a physical presence in the box.

Bollini’s challenge: Replicate the 2023 final victory over Spain (2-1) while adapting to Wales’ colder, wetter conditions—a contrast to Malta’s Mediterranean climate.

Tournament Format & Key Dates: What to Watch in Wales

The 2025 European Championship in Wales follows a single-elimination format after a group stage. Italy will compete in:

Group Stage Opponents: Italy will face England U19, Portugal U19, and Hungary U19, per UEFA’s official draw. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage.

Weather Impact: Wales in June averages 14°C (57°F) with rain likely—contrasting with Malta’s 28°C (82°F) in 2023. Bollini has emphasized physical conditioning for colder conditions, per a FIGC press briefing.

Tactical Focus: How Bollini Will Adapt to Wales’ Conditions

Bollini’s 4-3-3 formation will likely feature:

• Defensive Shape: A low block with Marco Wiafe and Lorenzo Sgarbi anchoring the backline, per analysts who studied Italy’s 2023 tactics.
• Midfield Dominance: Luca Vanni and Giacomo Rota will dictate tempo, while Edoardo Rossi provides cover.
• Attacking Transitions: Wing-backs Matteo Bianchi and Francesco De Rosa will overlap, with Alessandro De Luca and Tommaso Borghi targeting the box.

Key Adjustment: Bollini has told Sky Sport that the team will prioritize quick counterattacks in Wales, limiting possession to conserve energy in colder weather.

Player Spotlight: The Talent Behind Italy’s U19 Campaign

Three players stand out for their potential impact:

• Marco Wiafe (Atalanta, 19): Italy’s most-capped U19 player with 32 appearances. His leadership and aerial dominance in defense were critical in 2023.
• Luca Vanni (Juventus, 17): A midfield prodigy, Vanni has drawn comparisons to Niccolò Barella for his vision. His inclusion signals Bollini’s faith in youth development.
• Alessandro De Luca (Juventus, 19): Top scorer in Italy’s 2023 U19 campaign (7 goals), De Luca’s pace and finishing make him a constant threat.

Juventus’ Impact: Three Juve players—Vanni, De Luca, and Sgarbi—highlight the club’s role in Italy’s youth pipeline. Juventus’ academy has produced 4 of Italy’s 2025 U19 squad.

What’s Next: Italy’s Path to the Final in Cardiff

Italy’s group stage begins June 28 in Cardiff, with their first match against England U19. Key milestones:

• June 28 (15:00 BST):** Italy vs. England U19 (Cardiff City Stadium).
• July 1 (18:00 BST):** Italy vs. Portugal U19 (Swansea.com Stadium).
• July 4 (15:00 BST):** Italy vs. Hungary U19 (Newport Stadium).