Italy won their Under-20 World Cup group after a 0-0 draw with Japan, thanks to Marco Carnesecchi saving a penalty.
The Azzurrini had already qualified after winning their first two games against Mexico and Ecuador, but a point would ensure top spot in the group, so there was massive squad rotation to rest booked players.
It was a chaotic game, as Japan almost conceded a comical own goal, the ‘keeper sprinting back to hoof it off his line, but 10 seconds later they won a penalty for a clumsy Alessandro Buongiorno tackle on Tagawa.
Italy won their Under-20 World Cup group after a 0-0 draw with Japan, thanks to Marco Carnesecchi saving a penalty.
The Azzurrini had already qualified after winning their first two games against Mexico and Ecuador, but a point would ensure top spot in the group, so there was massive squad rotation to rest booked players.
It was a chaotic game, as Japan almost conceded a comical own goal, the ‘keeper sprinting back to hoof it off his line, but 10 seconds later they won a penalty for a clumsy Alessandro Buongiorno tackle on Tagawa.
However, Marco Carnesecchi followed in the footsteps of Alessandro Plizzari earlier in the tournament by saving a Hiroki Ito penalty.
Andrea Colpani’s deflected free kick was palmed round the base of the upright and Olivieri’s counter-attack was parried too.
It was a game of many shots on goal, but ended 0-0 and was the result Italy wanted.
Different keeper
Same result!Italy stop a penalty for the second game in a row! Carnesecchi with the stop this time!
Italy v Japan is live now on FreeSports! pic.twitter.com/mpqwMNDnmi
— FreeSports (@FreeSports_TV) May 29, 2019