“This victory I will remember for the rest of my life,” Bollini says with pride.

Strategy, brilliance, and creativity of Bollini’s team. The brilliant comeback that unsettled Portugal. Milheiro probably sinned of overconfidence, though, it’s worldly knowledge: do never touch the cup!

Because.. it’s not over until it’s over.

During the press conference the day before the tournament, Portugal’s coach was at the centre of a bit of a superstitious incident. Firmly believing in his team’s victory he touched the tournament’s cup, showing a bit of overconfidence.

After all, Italy’s success against Spain should have been a good wake-up call for the Portuguese team, this was not the same team they had faced 10 days before.

STRATEGY

“We knew that our strength was in our unity, our complicity, our growing physical strength”, Bollini explains.

“Portugal is full of incredibly strong players, but we managed to contain them and react with our very efficient game”.

Italy’s performance displayed that under a friendly manner and serious tone, Bollini hides a fine and sharp mind. He studied the Spanish team trying to mine their ball possession and midfield, and he applied the same tactic to Portugal’s wings. Indeed, the opponent’s team was never able to effectively use its best players who, after Kayode’s goal at minute 19’, slowly began to lose their cool, committing more and more dull and rushed mistakes.

Instead, Bollini instructed his boys to keep their cool and play strategically every action, without throwing away opportunities. He showed the world a completely different Italy than last time.

“I knew that the most important thing was to recover physically and mentally from the bad result with Portugal. In a few days we managed to do the recovery that you’d otherwise achieve in a month.”

The coach is extremely proud of his players, and the journey they’ve been through.

“In September something like this would have been unthinkable”.

Bollini is happy that his players finally managed to achieve a result they’d had been fighting for for years: “Many of these players have been giving everything for years. This is the result of their hard work”.

A DREAM COMING TRUE

Before the game, Bollini explained that the only example he wanted to take from the past was Roberto Mancini’s victory in the Euro 2021 Championship, and in the end, it turned out to be the best example of the result of the Azzurrini, who played a masterclass in the field showing their growth and improvement:

“When we won, in my mind I was thinking about all the boys playing for our team, of what they’ve been through. The emotions for this victory will keep growing more and more in the following days.”

The odds were mostly against Italy. Bollini and their team will go back home with unforgettable memories, hopefully portraying a bright future for a country that struggled deeply in the last few years.

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And why should he not? He just scored the goal that brought glory to Alberto Bollini’s side 0-1 against the Portugal U19 team.

The Fiorentina prospect leapt over two Portuguese players to power home a thumping header from Luis Hasa’s devilish cross into the penalty area. It was just far too much for Portugal keeper Goncalo Ribeiro to handle.

But it was not only that. The powerful wide man also turned in a superb defensive performance to thwart whatever threat Portugal posed in the second half – and he was deservedly named as player of the match.

AN INCREDIBLE FEELING

“It’s an incredible moment,” Kayode told AIPS.

“I worked hard with my coach and team every day for that moment. The hard work started last September and I can’t believe it came like that.

“It was a fantastic moment for me, my family and my teammates. I think I had a good performance throughout the tournament. That came after I worked very hard and it was for everyone. That feeling is incredible.”

Michael Kayode, born in Borgomanero (Piemonte) 19 years ago from Nigerian parents (and passport), scored 7 goals last season for Fiorentina Under 20 team. Playing as a forward to start in the National Stadium decider, Kayode ended up finishing the game as a defender as Italy held onto the trophy with their dear life.

In fact, the forward-turned-defensive outlet revelled in that role given to him by his manager. I role he may soon take in Serie A, given the appreciation Fiorentina’s coach Italiano has shown for Michael.

MR VERSATILE

After Italy’s win over Spain, Bollini heaped praise on the player, saying: “Kayode is fantastic and can read the match. His performance may have surprised you but, for me, it’s no surprise. I know him very well and what he can do.”

And the 19-year-old – who was seen kissing the trophy before his captain Giacomo Faticanti lifted it – starred once again when carrying out the same job.

“Spain and Portugal were fantastic teams and have a lot of good players. But this team is a fantastic group,” he explained. “But it is simple, the coach asked me to play as a right wing and I try to do that more.

“Six or seven years ago I started as a right back but now I am happy wherever I am picked to play.”

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They had won all four matches at the final tournament, but not this one. The dream was over for them.

“This was one of the most important games of our lives. It was a big dream we had”, says Samuel Justo, with a calm voice, still trying to put things together in his mind.

HARD FEELING

It takes time to understand, and the feeling is even harder to describe, but you could see it in their eyes. Tears clogged their throat as Portugal took the silver medal and respectfully watched the Italians with the golden ones. The suffering, though, isn’t all.

“Each of us suffer in our own way, but what I feel is that we must be proud of ourselves”, says Samuel with an encouraging smile.

MUST BE PROUD

And that’s what coach Joaquim Milheiro taught them. Almost one hour after the final whistle, he leaves the locker room with a smile and, even though his eyes appear to show sadness, he tries to stay strong for his young players.

“I gave a comforting speech to them”, he says, “I said that I am extremely proud. We have to be resilient to overcome this pain and clear the tears so that the sun can shine again.”

LEARNING WITH PAIN

Portugal played six finals since 2002, when the tournament adopted the current format as the U19 Championship, but won only one at this period and precisely against Italy.

Despite the numbers, the Portuguese have been growing its work with youth football, highlighting stars at this team – such as Gustavo Sá, Gonçalo Ribeiro and Hugo Felix, for example – and that’s what they want to bring home.

“This is a learning process and even in this moment of pain,” Milheiro says, taking a long breath before continuing, “even in this moment of frustration, we are going to be able to heal the scars. It’s gonna help us in the future and I feel really proud. We will never throw in the towel.”

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The 57-year-old had said he “believed” and now basked in the glory as hundreds of Italian fans waited deep into the night, dropping from their seats towards the glass fence that separates the stands and the pitch, to share in the great feat just chalked by their team.

The champagnes arrived belated but it was well worth the wait. When Cher N’Dour popped off the first bottle and ran onto the pitch, it didn’t take long for the other players to follow. The party was already in motion.

ITALY’S FLYING START

In the end, Italy stood tall. And nothing was ever going to stop them. There was still some minutes left when the Italian bench switched their attention from the game, signaling their fans to roar and cheer the team on.

That blue army in the stands of the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali responded with loud chants of “Italia!” “Italia!” “Italia” The job was done at this point and it was with sweat and a lot of running; a lot of hard work.

Italy went into Sunday’s UEFA U19 Championship final against Portugal as underdogs, having lost 5-1 to the same opponents in the group stage. But this was a different proposition altogether and Michael Kayode’s first-half strike was all that was needed for Alberto Bollini’s side to not only enact some sweet revenge but also emerge as champions of the tournament.

And it came under thoroughly deserving circumstances, as the Azzurini were the better side for large spells and created the better chances too.

Italy started the game in the ascendency, putting up a performance that was completely the opposite of the one that saw them battered by Portugal 10 days ago. The Azzurini also surprised Portugal by playing their most expansive football in the tournament yet.

Bar the opening game against Malta, Alberto Bollini’s side played it safe for much of the tournament, adopting a conservative approach rather than opening up and taking the game to their opponents.

PORTUGAL RATTLED

Here, though, they were on the offensive from the start. And they created loads of chances too. Pio Esposito had the first big chance of the game when he was picked out by a teasing low cross from Michael Kayode but the striker failed to properly connect with the goal at his mercy.

Italy continued to press and, for almost half an hour, had Portugal’s defence under siege. Luis Hasa, Samuele Vignato and Kayode had Joaquim Milheiro’s side rattled with their proactivity and quick thinking in the middle, resulting in the neutralization of usual creativity Hugo Felix and Gustavo Sa, who both cut frustrated figures.

The Azzurrini’s dominance finally paid off in the 19th minute when Hasa dribbled his way into space before delivering a pin-point cross for Kayode to head home the opener. It was a deserved lead for Bollini and his boy, who had been flawless unless that point.

While Italy continued purring and creating decent chances – Cher Ndour, Vignato and Espositio all came close with their efforts – it took Portugal 27 minutes to finally test Italy goalkeeper Davide Mastrantonio.

That chance came when Rodrigo Ribeiro was put through on goal, but the Sporting forward hesitated, allowing Mastrantonio to beat him to the loose ball. Mastrantonio was quick enough to prevent a rebound after ballooning the ball out of play and out of the reach of Samuel Justo, who was ready to pounce.

ITALY CROWNED CHAMPIONS

For much of the first half, it was all Italy and that is exactly how the second half also began, as Portugal resorted to long shots, having struggled to create openings.

Milheiro’s side would, however, get on the front foot right before the hour mark, with two quick-fire chances that nearly caught the Italian defence off guard. First, Felix was left unmarked in the box but the 19-year-old was unable to direct his header towards goal.

Sa was the next to go close when he craved an opening from the left flank and unleashed a fierce strike, but the ball ricocheted off Alessandro Dellavalle, missing the goal by inches as Mastrantonio remained rooted to his spot.

As the game wore on, Italy shut up shop, ceding possession to Portugal and looking to play on the counterattack. This led to an onslaught from Milheiro’s side, who started to create more glaring chances. Substitute Martim Fernandes and Sa both tested Mastrantonio with a header and a long shot, respectively, but the goalkeeper was up to the task, diving low to make the save on each occasion.

Despite rining in the changes, Portugal’s best efforts were not good enough as they failed to find the equaliser. By being crowned champions, Italy have ended a cycle of losing in finals, having lost each of their previous three finals in the UEFA U19 Championship.

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Reality was very different for Italy and Spain. Before the third game of Group B, Spanish manager José Lana, with his team’s qualification already sure, he sent the substitutes to play in the last match of the group stage. The eleven for the meeting with Norway included only three players from the starting lineup; in addition, Yarek Gasiorowski, Manuel Angel and Dani Perez left the pitch after the first half. Opponents could only dream of such comfort. The last round of the group stage decided about their further fate, so there was no question of saving strength. Nine players, who competed with Poland for promotion four days earlier, ran to the semi-finals.

OUTPLAYED SPAIN Despite the circumstances, Italy did not look tired. Pio Esposito took just 12 minutes to head twice for Bruno Iribarne to make a difficult save. During the first 15 minutes, the Spanish goalkeeper had more work to do than in the entire previous phase of the tournament.

When Michael Kayode kicked the ball between Angel’s legs and shot, the Spain received another warning signal. And when, in the 36th minute, after Niccolo Pisilli’s shot and Iribarne’s intervention, the ball danced over the goal line, it was clear that it was going to be a very difficult night for the favourites.

Pisilli most likely would not have played in this match if not for the absence of Cher Ndour. The new Paris Saint-Germain midfielder was suspended for yellow cards, but his replacement was brilliant. Pisilli’s partnership with Giacomo Faticanti, supported by Luis Hasa in the defensive phase, made the Italian midfield function very well. Alberto Bollini’s team set up a wall in front of their sixteen-metre line, through which the Spaniards were unable to break through. Their only idea was Ilias Akhomach’s individual charges. The Spanish team had only one shot on target during the first half.

LIKE IN A BOXING RING It was six minutes after the break when Ndour jumped out of his place in the stands in joy. Samuele Vignato’s shot was powerful but not very precise. However, Iribarne made a mistake and let the ball go into the net.

Three minutes later, the Italian part of the audience screamed again. This time, however, out of indignation that the referee did not dictate a penalty when Esposito was clearly grabbed by his marker. The lack of VAR at the tournament was probably Spain’s ally in this case.

Immediately afterwards, Victor Barbera with a spectacular shot from the penalty area led to a draw. But the Italians did not care about the loss. Knowing that they were better than the Spaniards that evening, they kept trying. After Hasa’s shot and Iribarne’s save the ball bounced off the crossbar and was centimeters away from hurting the Spaniards again. In the 66th minute, Pisilli flashed again – Roma’s midfielder finished the individual action with a calm, flat shot.

Who would have thought that Spain would have to count on set pieces. When the game was entering the decisive phase, Gasiorowski cleverly directed the ball into the goal after crossing from a free kick. With 16 minutes left in the game, anything could happen. Literally, because it’s an unpredictable match.

Luca Lipani, who had come from the bench on less than 20 minutes earlier, converted a corner kick with a header. Hasa, one of the best on the pitch, made the second assist as Italy finally managed to knock out the tough Spanish side.

The celebration that followed was worth it. Bollini was soaked in water, as Italy, the team that had done the impossible mission, celebrated to the tune of Notti Magiche, the Italy 1990 World Cup song that marked a generation. Now, these players have the chance of writing their own history.

Portugal had just scored their fourth goal in the semi-final match against Norway. Soon after they would get their fifth and tie a record for the biggest win in at a final four match at this tournament: 5-0. Before the game there were predictions of the results amongst the media. Portugal were the favourites but nobody predicted it would end like this. They had beat Italy 5-1 in the group stages but they were eleven against ten for a long period in that match.

UNEXPECTED MISTAKE 

The main goal for Norway was clearly to be tight at the back as Luis Pimenta set up with five defenders against his compatriots. They were going to try and keep a clean sheet for as long as possible. They goalless draw against Spain in the final group stage game had given them confidence, maybe too much confidence.

Goalkeeper Magnus Rugland Ree’s held the ball at his feet for too long. Before he knew it, Gustavo Sá had pressed the ball into the back of the net.

That was a big blow for Norway, after only four minutes they were a goal down to Portugal, who had topped group A. It was a blow that Norway couldn’t recover from.

In the 17th minute, Norway made another mistake. This time Erik Flatkaker handballed inside the box after a corner. Hugo Felix, one of the star of the tournaments, went to the spot confidently and scored. Rodrigo Ribeiro then scored the third goal after just over 30 minutes. The defending in that third goal was very soft for the Norwegians.

UNFORGIVING PORTUGAL 

Joaquim Milheiro’s side didn’t have to play their best today, but they still won very easily. Portugal could afford to relax in the second half, and the manager chose to substitute the three players that were already booked, but still managed to score two more goals. Ribeiro got his second and then Carlos Borges was rewarded for his great performance by scoring the fifth goal.

The Portuguese team has won every game at the tournament in Malta so far and they are very deservedly in the final. Norway go home with a big defeat on their back, but they’ve had some memorable moments during their time on the sunny island. To make it to the semi-final is an achievement in itself.

EYES ON THE NATIONAL STADIUM 

Portugal will have their eyes on the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali tonight as Spain and Italy will meet in the other semi-final. It is also the stadium where the final will be played.

Portugal made it to the final in both 2018 and 2019; they won once and lost once. The first one was against Italy where they won 4-3 after extra time, but then they lost to Spain the year after, 2-0. Who will their opponents be on the big day on Sunday?

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Nevertheless, the call stood, and with the 1-0 Norway were closer to writing history in this UEFA U19 Championship. But Gudmundsson wasn’t having it, and he redeemed himself with a last-minute Messi-style goal that keeps Iceland’s hopes of going to the semi-finals.

TO THE BEAT OF THE STANDS

The proactivity of the Icelandic supporters in the stands had an impact in the early part of the game, with their players taking control.

However, as the Norwegian fans always responded to their counterparts from out of the pitch, so did the footballers under Luís Pimenta’s guidance.

From a corner-kick came the first big chance of the game, a header of Norway’s captain, Nikolai Hopland, but Lúkas Petersson grabbed that one. Iceland regained control in the last 10 minutes with a couple of shots that forced Mangus Ree to show he was not just a spectator.

Both goalkeepers were showing their quality. The half-time whistle came with no goals, a result that wasn’t in Iceland’s best interest. But neither was conceding…

THE PENALTY

The Icelandic youngsters knew they had to be more effective to get their first win in this tournament, so they came back from half-time with more intensity. But that penalty was not part of the plan.

In the 65th minute, in one of Norway’s first attacks in the second half, Guðmundsson slightly shoved Roaldsøy, who came down and called for a penalty. Iceland’s number 10 couldn’t believe it, but the penalty was given.

Roaldsøy placed it calmly on the opposite side of Petersson to break the 0-0, with the fireworks just in the background of that goal colouring the Norwegian celebrations.

FIGHTING SPIRIT

The Icelandic coach subbed three players in the hopes of avoiding what was being written in the sky, through those aforementioned fireworks: Norway going through to the semi-finals of the tournament for the first time.

On the pitch, he had someone on his side. When Iceland’s efforts appear to be in vain, Eggert Aron Guðmundsson received the ball free —after a fantastic hand pass by Petersson, who had captured a cross with one hand—,  and he went through the opponents before placing the ball inside the net with the right foot and scoring the equaliser.

He showed hints of Messi in that play, and he admitted to AIPS he admires the Argentinian superstar: “Who doesn’t like Messi? I love him. And scoring this kind of goal, with my parents in the stands watching…”. In the last five minutes of added time, Iceland pushed for the second goal.

WHAT’S NEXT 

The draw it’s not a good result for Iceland, but the defeat would’ve been the end of it in this UEFA U19 Championship. Their celebration with pizza in the locker room after the match is the proof they know how big this point was.

At least for now, Iceland (one point) still have hope, even though the Norwegians, with four, have the advantage. On Sunday, Norway will meet Spain and Iceland will face Greece.

One thing is for sure: with this fighting spirit, Iceland should never be written off.

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QUALIFIED Portugal, with 6 points, does not depend on any other result to guarantee a semi-final spot. They have even secured first place in the group, having beaten the other two contesting teams, Italy and Portugal.

TWO FOR ONE SPOT On Sunday, Poland and Italy will face each other in the final matchday at the National Stadium in Ta’Qali. Who will qualify? If Italy wins, Alberto Bollini’s team will advance to the next phase. The same will happen if the game ends in a draw. The two teams will have the same points and same goal difference, but Italy will advance because they have a better attack than Poland (5 goals against 2, as it stands). Specifically, Italy won the opener game against Malta 4-0 and scored one goal in the 5-1 defeat against Portugal, making it a total of five goals. Poland was defeated by Portugal 2-0 but won against Malta 2-0, scoring a total of two goals. The Polish team can only reach the semifinals if they win.

ELIMINATED Malta will say goodbye to the competition and will aim to secure a victory or at least score their first goal in the tournament. In any case, they will finish bottom of the group because they were defeated by Poland and Italy.

HOW IT WORKS In the regulations of the final UEFA U19 Championship tournament, rule 17 explains the criteria used for the Group Stages. In the case of a draw, Italy and Poland will reach point F in order to find the winners.

 If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points on completion of the group matches, the following criteria are applied, in the order given, to determine the rankings:

1. A higher number of points obtained in the group matches played among the teams in question;
2. Superior goal difference from the group matches played among the teams in question;
3. A higher number of goals scored in the group matches played among the teams in question;
4. If, after having applied criteria a) to c), teams still have an equal ranking, criteria a) to c) are reapplied exclusively to the group matches between the remaining teams to determine their final rankings. If this procedure does not lead to a decision, criteria e) to h) apply in the order given to the two or more teams still equal;
5. Superior goal difference in all group matches;
6. A higher number of goals scored in all group matches;
7. Lower disciplinary points total based only on yellow and red cards received by players and team officials in all group matches (red card = 3 points, yellow card = 1 point, expulsion for two yellow cards in one match = 3 points);
8. A higher position in the qualifying round coefficient rankings.

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INTENSE START Spain didn’t even need time to settle. Right from the blast of the referee’s whistle, they set out to take care of business. Against the run of play, though, it was Greece who recorded the first shot on target, with Stefanos Tzimas and Lmpros Smyrlis combining beautifully in a counter-attacking move, before the former released the latter to hit a fierce left-footed shot which was punched away by goalkeeper Bruno Iribane.

But that was as good as Greece got before the Spanish onslaught began. Jose Lana’s side completely dominated the game, running circles around their opponents, before putting them to the sword. For all of Greece’s lethargy, the signs of a thrashing were on the wall as early as the third minute when Akomach was allowed the time and space to take a solo run into the box and fire a feeble shot into the waiting arms of Botis.

THE DECISIVE MOMENT Greece, though, will not be second time lucky. In the 10th minute, Spain finally opened the score following a brilliant run by Gonzalo on the right flank, who cut back for Victor Barbera to tap the ball home.

This routine seemed to have been Spain’s match-winning game plan and they would repeat the same move again and again for much of the game. Greece’s left side of defense was leaking like a punctured roof and Spain took full advantage, thanks to the marauding runs of right-back Fresneda and his partner in crime Gonzalo, who played just in front of him on the right wing.

It would take just three minutes after the opening goal for La Rojita to increase their lead, this time Manuel Angel applying a smart finish from close range following another cross from the right that Greece failed to deal with. Lana and his side were criticized for not being ruthless enough when they faced Iceland in their opening game. Here, though, in front of a largely partisan Spanish crowd, they showed no mercy, and they would go into the half-time break with a comfortable 4-0 lead after further goals from Cesar Palacios and Barbera.

Spain may have taken their foot off the gas a bit in the second half, but Greece never came to the party and were largely passive, unable to reproduce the second-half masterclass that saw them come from 5-0 to make it 5-4 against Norway three days ago at the Centenary Stadium.

By the time Arnau Casas added a fifth goal with a towering header on the hour mark, Greece were already dead and buried. The result puts Spain in a strong position to finish top of Group B, considering their superior goal difference too. La Rojita needed to make a statement after their unimpressive opening-day win against Iceland and they responded perfectly by taking down Greece in the most ruthless manner possible.

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