Italy fail to qualify for Under-19 European Championship

Italy have failed to qualify for the European Under-19 Championship, despite being unbeaten and seeing their last game suspended due to fog.

The Azzurrini needed to top their group in the Elite Round in order to book their place in the final tournament.

That will be played in Romania from June 13 to 26, 2025.

It is a blow, as Italy had won the Under-19 European Championship in 2023 and then the Under-17 Euro title in 2024.

How Italy’s qualifying campaign unfolded

Coach Alberto Bollini’s side had an unusual experience in the final game against France, as it was suspended at the 69^th minute due to fog at the Stadio Ceravolo in Catanzaro.

They had been leading 2-0 at the time, through Milan striker Francesco Camarda and Genoa’s Jeff Ekhator, and held on to that result when the match resumed.

It ultimately proved irrelevant, because even with that victory over France, Italy were unable to catch up to group winners Spain.

The Nazionale played a very disappointing 1-1 draw with Latvia on March 19, as Ekhator’s opener was cancelled out by Helvijs Joksts at the 87^th minute.

Latvia ended the match down to 10 men for the Lenards Berzins dismissal deep into stoppages.

Italy then conceded another late equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Spain on March 22, despite the brace from Milan midfielder Mattia Liberali.

Alejandro Monserrate and the 89^th-minute Antonio Cordero penalty for a Felipe Jack foul proved decisive.