Alberto Bollini Announces Italy U19 Squad
Alberto Bollini, the head coach of Italy’s U19 national team, has officially named his squad of 20 players for the upcoming Elite Round of qualification for the 2025 U19 European Championships. The young Azzurrini will face off against Latvia, Spain, and France in a challenging group that promises intense competition and valuable experience for the players. The U19 European Championships, though an annual event, feature a more streamlined qualification process compared to the senior level. The initial phase sees 52 teams divided into 13 groups of four, where they compete in a round-robin format to secure one of the 28 spots in the Elite Phase. Italy, having already navigated this initial hurdle, now stands in a daunting group alongside the reigning champions Spain, last year’s runners-up France, and Latvia.
The Road to the Elite Phase
The qualification process for the U19 European Championships is a rigorous and competitive one. After the initial group stage, the top two teams from each group, along with the best two third-placed teams, advance to the Elite Phase. This phase is equally challenging, with 28 teams divided into seven groups of four. Each team plays a single match against the others in their group, and the group winners, along with the host nation, earn their place in the final tournament. Italy’s journey to this point has been marked by strong performances and strategic selections, culminating in their qualification for the Elite Phase. Now, the young Azzurrini must face some of the continent’s best, including the reigning champions Spain and the formidable French side, who were runners-up in the previous edition.
A Tough but Promising Group
Italy’s group in the Elite Phase is undoubtedly one of the toughest, featuring teams with recent success in the competition. Spain, the reigning champions, bring a wealth of talent and experience, while France, the runners-up from last year, are eager to claim the top spot. Latvia, though less heralded, will be a tough opponent looking to upset the favorites. Italy, having claimed the title in 2023, will be under pressure to perform and secure their place in the final tournament. Bollini’s squad is a blend of seasoned players and promising newcomers, all tasked with the challenge of proving their mettle against some of Europe’s best youth teams. The fixtures are set for March 19 against Latvia at home, followed by a home match against Spain on March 22, and a crucial away game against France on March 25.
The Goalkeepers
The backbone of any team, the goalkeepers, are represented by Diego Mascardi from Spezia and Alessandro Nunziante from Benevento. Both young talents have shown exceptional promise and have been crucial in their respective club’s youth academies. Mascardi, known for his agility and excellent reflexes, has been a standout in Spezia’s development squad, while Nunziante has been a reliable presence in Benevento’s goal, showcasing his leadership and command of the box. Their presence in the squad adds a layer of security and confidence, vital for the team’s success in this challenging phase.
The Defensive Line
Italy’s defensive lineup is a mix of talent and potential, featuring Cristian Cama and Filippo Reale from Roma, Matteo Cocchi from Inter, Niccolo Fortini from Juve Stabia, Felipe Jack from Como, Matteo Plaia from Perugia, and Lorenzo Venutrino from Genoa. Cama and Reale, both from Roma, have been praised for their strong positioning and tackling skills. Cocchi, a product of Inter’s renowned academy, has shown great composure and technical ability. Fortini, Jack, Plaia, and Venutrino bring a blend of physicality and tactical awareness, ensuring that the defensive unit is well-rounded and capable of withstanding the pressure from strong opponents like Spain and France.
The Midfield and Forward Line
The midfield and forward line of Italy’s U19 squad are no less impressive, with Federico Coletta and Alessandro Di Nunzio from Roma, Leonardo Mendicino from Cesena, Fabio Rispoli from Virtus Verona, Tomasso Rubino from Fiorentina, and Mattia Zanchetta from Inter. Coletta and Di Nunzio, both Roma products, have been instrumental in their club’s youth teams, displaying creativity and technical prowess. Mendicino, Rispoli, Rubino, and Zanchetta bring a mix of energy, skill, and experience, making the midfield a dynamic and versatile unit. In the forward line, Richi Agbonifo from Verona, Federico Cassa from Atalanta, Giacomo De Pieri from Inter, Mattia Mosconi from Inter, and Matteo Spinacce from Inter are set to lead the attack. Agbonifo, a prolific goal-scorer, and Cassa, known for his dribbling and finishing, will be key players, supported by the tactical awareness and skill of De Pieri, Mosconi, and Spinacce.
Looking Ahead to the Matches
The matches against Latvia, Spain, and France will be critical for Italy’s U19 team as they look to secure their spot in the final tournament. The home advantage against Latvia and Spain will be crucial, and Bollini’s team will be expected to capitalize on this. The away game against France will be the ultimate test, requiring the squad to showcase their resilience and adaptability. These matches offer a unique opportunity for the young players to grow and develop, facing challenges that will prepare them for future international competitions. With a solid squad and a challenging group, the stage is set for an exciting and competitive Elite Round of qualification.
