Football, the Under 17s on the roof of Europe

Italy is European Under 17 champion. The blues of Daniele Franceschini they have defeated Belgium on penalties in the final, after catching with Fugazzola from eleven meters in the 91st minute the decisive 1-1.

The defenses concede little

Neither team really manages to impose their rhythm in the first half, but some quality individual play ignites the challenge. The defenses, however, proved to be solid and conceded little, keeping the result in balance until the final minutes. What breaks the bank is the Ojea took over, that al 85th minute he scores a splendid goal overtaking Lorenzo Dattilo with a rapid acceleration and a precise low shot into the bottom corner to the goalkeeper’s left.

It seems like the decisive goal of a very balanced final, but at the end comes the twist: the referee whistles for Xander Dierckx’s foul and awards a penalty to Italy. From the spot Fugazzola showed himself to be impeccable and scored the equalizing goal with great coolness.

Everything is decided from the eleven meters where, as in the semi-final against Spain, Italy once again has the upper hand: it is Diego Perillo converted the decisive shot after the crossbar hit by Tinus Moorthamer. Italy, already champions in 2024, can thus celebrate their second European category title, the first with the eight-team format. The Italians, among other things, became champions without even a defeat in the final phase.