U19 EURO: Italy held by Croatia in disappointing stalemate
Quick summary
Italy's U19 team was held to a draw by Croatia in the UEFA U19 European Championship, described as a disappointing result.
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Attributed to original sourceItaly’s hopes of securing a semi-final berth at the European Under-19 Championship took a hit with today’s 0-0 draw against Croatia, so now they must beat Ukraine.
The Azzurrini had a strong start to the tournament in Wales, beating Serbia 2-0 in the opening fixture with a Mattia Liberali penalty and Jamal Iddrissou strike.
CAERNARFON, WALES – JUNE 29: Mattia Liberali of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2026 match between Italy and Serbia on June 29, 2026 in Caernarfon, Wales. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images) However, they struggled to replicate that performance in a dour goalless draw with Croatia this afternoon in Group B.
The early afternoon kick-off time seemed to get to Italy, who looked slow and sluggish in the heat, with only Emanuele Sala blasting wide from distance, while Patrice Covic tested goalkeeper Massimo Pessina.
They tried to step up a gear in the second half, creating two big chances with Mattia Mosconi’s diving header off target, and Idrissou at full stretch meeting a Mattia Marello free kick, forcing a tough reaction save.
Now Italy must win their final Group B match against Ukraine on July 5.
Ukraine will face Serbia this evening, having already beaten Croatia 3-1 in their opener.
Croatia 0-0 Italy Italy U19: Pessina; Nardin, Natali, Verde, Cocchi (Marello 65); Liberali (Comotto 65), Sala, Coletta; Wiafe (Idele 92), Iddrissou, Mosconi (Arena 83)
Croatia U19: Kostopec; Mikic, Zebic, Puljic, Mandic; Smiljanic (Chelfi 83), Subotic (Zrilic 83), Covic, Sutalo; Kusanovic (Baric 72), Bakovic (Simic 72)
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What happened
In the UEFA U19 European Championship, Italy and Croatia played to a stalemate. The result is characterized as disappointing for the Italian side, who were expected to perform better. The draw leaves Italy's group stage prospects uncertain, depending on other results in the tournament. No specific scoreline or goal scorers are mentioned in the headline.
Chance analysis
A draw for Italy at U19 EURO level is a negative result that could complicate their path through the group stage. Youth tournament stalemates often expose tactical or psychological issues in development squads, and a 'disappointing' framing suggests underperformance relative to expectations. For prediction systems, this signals Italy U19 are not firing on all cylinders and may be vulnerable in subsequent fixtures.
Italy U19's group stage position is weakened by the draw, increasing pressure on subsequent matches.
Italy U19's draw with Croatia suggests they are not at peak form; factor in potential underperformance when assessing their next U19 EURO match.