Italy made a winning start to their U-20 World Cup campaign in Poland as they beat Mexico 2-1 on Thursday.
Italy lined up with several familar faces, including Milan goalkeeper Alessandro Plizzari, Roma left-back Luca Pellegrini and Inter striker Andrea Pinamonti.
They took the lead in just the third minute through Roma midfielder Davide Frattesi after some good work from Sassuolo’s Gianluca Scamacca.
The Azzurrini were in control until Mexico equalised towards the end of the first half, Roberto de la Rosa heading home a set-piece.
Italy made a winning start to their U-20 World Cup campaign in Poland as they beat Mexico 2-1 on Thursday.
Italy lined up with several familar faces, including Milan goalkeeper Alessandro Plizzari, Roma left-back Luca Pellegrini and Inter striker Andrea Pinamonti.
They took the lead in just the third minute through Roma midfielder Davide Frattesi after some good work from Sassuolo’s Gianluca Scamacca.
The Azzurrini were in control until Mexico equalised towards the end of the first half, Roberto de la Rosa heading home a set-piece.
Fortunately, Fiorentina defender Luca Ranieri found the winner midway through the second half from a corner.
Mexico piled on the pressure, but Paolo Nicolato’s young side held out for the victory, leaving themselves in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages.
Mexico Under-20 1-2 Italy Under-20
De la Rosa 37 (M) Frattesi 3, Ranieri 67 (I)
Mexico: Higuera; Alvarez, Sepulveda, Leon, Cardenas; Lainez, Orona, Meraz, Dominguez (Figueroa 46); De la Rosa (Hernandez 87), Macias
Italy: Plizzari; Gabbia, Del Prato, Ranieri; Bellanova, Frattesi (Alberico 85), Esposito (Colpani 88), Pellegrini, Tripaldelli; Pinamonti, Scamacca (Capone 78)
Image credit figc.it