Borasio’s two goals give Italy under-19 a winning qualifying start
Italy’s under-19 men beat Romania 2-0 in Ancona to open the second round of European Championship qualifying. Juventus defender Benit Borasio scored both goals after half-time from set pieces. Massimiliano Favo’s side took three points in a group with only three matches, before meetings with Ukraine and Israel later in November.
Sports··Midday
Two set pieces settle the match
Italy’s men’s under-19 football team beat Romania 2-0 at the Stadio del Conero in Ancona, Italy, in the second round of European Championship qualifying. Benit Borasio, a defender with Italian club Juventus, scored both goals after half-time. Massimiliano Favo’s team began its three-match group programme with three points.[1], [2]
The opener came in the 49th minute. Borasio took Arena’s knockdown, turned inside the penalty area and beat goalkeeper Mocan. He scored again in the 76th minute, meeting Marello’s corner from the right with a first-time finish at the near post. Both goals followed set pieces after a goalless opening half.[1]
Romania’s early chance
Italy almost conceded at the start when Bota’s powerful shot was cleared from the goal line by Bovio. Romania defended compactly and looked for counterattacks during the first half. Borasio sent an early Italian effort wide. With Mambuku suspended, Maccaroni played behind the two forwards Arena and Lontani in Italy’s starting formation.[1]
Lontani had joined the squad the previous evening after spending two days with the senior national team at its Coverciano training centre in Italy. After the interval, Mocan saved his attempted chip and later denied Arena. Elimoghale also came close to a third Italian goal, but the Romanian goalkeeper stopped that effort as well.[1]
Three matches in the group
Favo described Romania as a physical opponent that defended deep and in numbers. He said Italy wanted to keep possession and play through the defence, but secured the result with two set pieces. The coach stressed the importance of winning the opening fixture in a group in which each side plays only three matches. Favo was coaching in his hometown in front of his family.[1]
Ukraine defeated Israel 3-2 in the other A6 group match. Italy and Ukraine therefore have three points each, while Romania and Israel have none. Italy next plays Ukraine in Fano on 14 November and Israel in Fermo on 17 November. The top three in each League A group progress to the third qualifying round in March.[1]
