European Under 17: Italy-Holland 1-2, Azzurri eliminated in the quarterfinals

For the third time in a row, the Under 17 national team beat the Netherlands. If in 2018 in England and the following year in Ireland the defeat for Italy had reached the final, this time in Israel – after two editions of the European Championship not played due to the pandemic – the Azzurrini’s race stopped in the quarterfinals. In Ramat Gan it ended 2-1 for the Oranje, who had closed the first half 2-0 before the reaction of Bernardo Corradi’s Italy, who, however, was unable to complete the comeback.

ONE-TWO DEADLY

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Deployed with the usual 4-3-1-2 and with Bruno behind Bolan and Quieto, Italy had held the field for the first phase of the match. The result, however, was the Netherlands: in the 26th minute, after a hit and hit in the area, the decisive touch in the slip was that of Misehouy, following the great save by Magro on the left of Breinburg. In the 43rd minute, the Lazio goalkeeper had to collect the ball from the bottom of his net for the second time after Van Duiven’s winning header, from Misehouy’s cross following a great move by Slory.

REACTION ITALY

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After six minutes of the second half, Corradi tried to change something in his team, calling Bolzan and Quieto back on the bench to insert Esposito and Vacca. Italy showed signs of reaction, finding the goal that halved the disadvantage in the 64th minute with Luca Lipani (Genoa), who headed from Bruno’s corner to beat Kuijsten, rekindling the hopes of the azzurrini. Then two other changes: Malaspina and Onofrietti for Saiani and Ciammaglichella. Di Maggio kicked high in the 76th minute, with Italy three minutes later being saved by the crossbar that sent Babadi’s right-hand plate back into the field. The last chance, Italy had it three minutes from the end of regular time: Kuijsten saved the Dutch goal on Vacca’s right. That’s where the blue dream broke.