As the Italy Under 19 football team gears up for the Elite Round of qualification for the European Championship, coach Alberto Bollini is eager to chase down another title after their 2023 triumph. The team is ready to compete against Latvia, Spain, and France, starting with their match against Latvia on March 19, 2025.
The match is set to kick off at 5 PM at the Stadio Ezio Scida in Crotone, where fans are encouraged to come and support their young talents. For those unable to attend in person, the game will be streamed live on Vivo Azzurro TV, the official channel of the Italian Football Federation dedicated to national teams.
Italy's Under 19 squad is coming off a successful first phase in which they ended with maximum points while not conceding any goals in their group, showcasing their defensive capabilities and team cohesiveness. Bollini, who recalls fond memories of leading the Under 20 team in front of excited crowds in Calabria, believes the atmosphere will bolster his players' performances.
"The boys feel pride in wearing the national jersey, especially in front of so many people," said Bollini. This statement reflects a strong belief in his team’s potential and motivation, especially as they face strong opponents like Spain and France later in the week.
In their upcoming matches, Italy will showcase some of the best youth talents in the nation, including forward Francesco Camarda, who made history last year as the youngest player to debut for AC Milan. Other notable players include goalkeeper Tommaso Martinelli and defenders Vittorio Magni and Andrea Natali, each bringing experience from their respective clubs.
With an eye toward repeating their championship success, the team must navigate through a challenging group, including powerhouse teams from previous tournaments. After their match against Latvia, Italy will challenge Spain on March 22 at 5 PM and will conclude group matches against France on March 25 at 3 PM, both hosted in Catanzaro.
Indeed, the road to qualification is arduous, with the stakes high as the top teams aim for a place in the final tournament scheduled for June in Romania. Bollini emphasized the competitive nature of their opponents, stating, "Winning will not come easily; we will have to earn it." This acknowledgment of the challenges ahead reflects the seriousness with which the team approaches the Elite Round.
The upcoming matches present not only a chance for players to shine on a larger stage but also a narrative of growth and resilience as many squad members are young athletes born in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Bollini has expressed confidence in his team, encouraging them to embrace the challenge while also remembering the pride of representing Italy.
With the public's support and their past successes fueling their determination, the Italy Under 19 team hopes to captivate the local audiences across the two cities. The joy of playing in front of families and enthusiastic fans is something Bollini believes can provide that extra motivation needed for his players. As the team prepares to take on Latvia, all eyes will be on what has become a proud and storied program within Italian football.
As we eagerly await the match against Latvia, Italian football fans are reminded that entry into the stadiums for these games will be free, encouraging a stronger turnout to witness the future stars of calcio take to the pitch.
In summary, the Italy Under 19 is set for an exciting week in Calabria. With their sights firmly set on qualification and the European Championship, the young Azzurrini are ready to make their mark as they vie for success against formidable foes.
