Italy U17 Reaches European Championship Final After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Spain
Match Report·4 June 2026·76d ago

Italy U17 Reaches European Championship Final After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Spain

Source: Forza Roma

Italy's U17 national team advanced to the final of the European Under-17 Championship by defeating Spain 1–1 (4–2 after penalties) on June 4. Coach Franceschini's squad took the lead through a Croci penalty in the 42nd minute, but Spain equalized through Urrestarazu in the 77th minute, forcing a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Lupo proved decisive in the shootout, saving two spot-kicks after also denying a penalty during regular play, while Rocca converted the winning penalty.

Niccolò Pisilli, a current AS Roma midfielder, featured in the squad and expressed his enthusiasm about the achievement. Pisilli commented: "Una grande emozione andare in Champions. Ho sempre seguito Gasperini" (It is a great emotion to qualify for the Champions League. I have always followed Gasperini). His reference to Roma's new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini reflects the midfielder's awareness of his club's recent appointment.

Italy will face Belgium in the final on Sunday, June 7 at 19:00. Belgium reached the final by eliminating France. The tournament success offers an encouraging counterpoint to the senior national team's recent disappointments.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

Decisiva la prestazione di Lupo che salva due rigori, Rocca trasforma quello decisivo Redazione 4 giugno - 22:17 Pisilli: "Una grande emozione andare in Champions. Ho sempre seguito Gasperini" Mentre la Nazionale maggiore cerca di ripartire dopo l'ennesima delusione Mondiale, c'è gioia per gli…

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

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