If the present is not the best, the future is rosy for the Italy of football. After the defeat in the final of the under 20 World Cup, the under 19 national team won the European Championship 20 years after the 2003 title by beating Portugal 1-0 in the final.

At the Stadio di Ta' Qali in Malta, the millennial national team led by coach Bollini takes the top step of the podium, after reaching the painful final by beating Spain 3-2. And in the final act, Kayode's header was enough to make young Italy write a page in Azzurri history.

Italy got off to a good start, pressing Portugal (with the Lusitanians, the Azzurrini had lost 5-1 in the group stage): and the effects were immediately visible, because in the 9th minute Esposito was already close to taking the lead. Which arrives in the 19th minute with a cross at the far post on which Kayode pounces and gives the 1-0 with a header. After a first half dominated by the Azzurri, Portugal returned to the field in the second half to get back into the game. He builds some opportunities but it is Italy that is very close to doubling with Vignato.

«Historic success. The boys were extraordinary, as were mister Bollini and all the staff, they created an exceptional group capable of establishing themselves in a very difficult tournament, winning against much more valued opponents on paper. This European triumph is the most beautiful response to those who, without knowing the great work we are doing with the youth national teams, prefer to abandon themselves to the defeatism and hysteria caused by a defeat", declared the president of the FIGC, Gabriele Gravina.

(Unioneonline/L)

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