The Italy U19s are set to face Norway U19s in the opening match of the European Under-19s Championship on Monday in Belfast.
As both teams gear up for this exciting clash, here’s a comprehensive look at predictions, team form, news, and potential lineups.
Match Preview
Italy U19s
Italy enters the tournament as the reigning European Under-19 champions, having clinched the title last year by defeating Portugal. Despite their status, the Azzurrini had to progress through two stages of qualifying to secure their spot in the tournament.
They collected four points from three matches to advance to the elite round, where they triumphed over Scotland, Czech Republic, and Georgia to top Group Five with maximum points.
The team is currently in impressive form, having scored 13 goals in their last four matches.
Managed by Bernardo Corradi, Italy's primary goal will be to reach the semi-finals, which would also ensure automatic qualification for the Under-20 World Cup in Chile next year.
Norway U19s
Norway has shown consistent performance in their qualification journey, winning all three games in the first phase and securing seven points from three matches in the elite round to top their group. This marks their seventh appearance in the European Under-19s Championship.
In the previous year’s competition, Norway advanced to the semi-finals, where they were eventually defeated by Portugal.
They aim to replicate and surpass this success in the current tournament. If they manage to progress from the group stage, it would secure their fourth appearance at an Under-20 World Cup.
Team News
Italy U19s Lineup
Renato Marin is expected to guard the goal, with Vittorio Magni, Filippo Mane, Fabio Chiarodia, and Davide Bartesaghi forming the backline.
Simone Pafundi, Italy’s key attacking player, has been prolific with seven goals in five appearances.
Francesco Camarda, fresh from winning the European Under-17 Championship, might also start, adding further firepower to Italy’s attack.
Possible Starting XI: Marin; Magni, Mane, Chiarodia, Bartesaghi; Ciammaghlichella, Lipani, Mannini; Zeroli; Pafundi, Camarda
Norway U19s Lineup
Norway’s defense will likely include Rasmus Holten and Simen Vatne Haram as center-backs, with Casper Glenna and Aleksander Andresen as full-backs.
Jens Hjerto-Dahl is expected to play as the holding midfielder, allowing Sondre Granaas and Sverre Nypan to push forward.
Sindre Walle Egele, who has scored seven goals in qualifying, will be a key player on the right flank.
Possible Starting XI: Borsheim; Glenna, Holten, Haram, Andresen; Egeli, Granaas, Hjerto-Dahl, Nypan, Bang-Kittilsen; Norheim
Prediction
Based on recent form and attacking prowess, Italy U19s are favoured to win this match.
They have won their last four games, scoring 13 goals while conceding just two.
Norway, despite their solid performance, might struggle against Italy's dominant attack.
Italy 
Norway 
