Italy and France face off in the U19 European Championship final on Sunday evening (20:30 CEST) in Sinsheim. The French side is looking to lift their third title at this level, having previously grabbed the honours in 2005 and 2010. Italy are after their second U19 Championship, following their maiden success in 2003.
The Equipe Tricolore recovered from a 2-1 defeat to England in their opening game and displayed ruthless attacking power in their next three games, beating Croatia (2-0), the Netherlands (5-1) and Portugal (3-1). Nine of those goals were scored by strike duo Kylian Mbappé (5) and Jean-Kévin Augustin (4), who was also on target against England.
The Squadra Azzurra on the other hand impressed with strong defensive displays centred around their keeper Alex Meret. Furthermore, coach Paolo Vanoli's team managed to secure their ticket for the final without scoring a single goal from open play. Federico Dimarco bagged three penalties - one each against Germany, Portugal and in the semi-final against England, where he also scored from a free kick. His midfield colleague Manuel Locatelli also managed a free kick goal against Austria.
Respect on both sides
Vanoli is full of praises for his team and demands the next step to be taken in the final with France: "It's unbelievable what we've achieved so far. I'm very proud of my players' performances, but we aren't done yet. We will give our best to fulfil the dream of winning the European Championships" But the 43-year-old knows what awaits his team in the final: "We know that we face a very strong opponent. France have players in their squad, who possess incredibly quality for their age and make regular appearances in the highest professional leagues."
His counterpart Ludovic Batelli showed equal amount of respect for the Italian side: "We studied Italy in many games. They defend very well and have a quick transition. They are also dangerous from set-pieces. We are prepared for all of these aspects," assured Batelli but at the same time warned: "It will be a difficult game, but once you've reached the final you want to win it."
Italy and France face off in the U19 European Championship final on Sunday evening (20:30 CEST) in Sinsheim. The French side is looking to lift their third title at this level, having previously grabbed the honours in 2005 and 2010. Italy are after their second U19 Championship, following their maiden success in 2003.
The Equipe Tricolore recovered from a 2-1 defeat to England in their opening game and displayed ruthless attacking power in their next three games, beating Croatia (2-0), the Netherlands (5-1) and Portugal (3-1). Nine of those goals were scored by strike duo Kylian Mbappé (5) and Jean-Kévin Augustin (4), who was also on target against England.
The Squadra Azzurra on the other hand impressed with strong defensive displays centred around their keeper Alex Meret. Furthermore, coach Paolo Vanoli's team managed to secure their ticket for the final without scoring a single goal from open play. Federico Dimarco bagged three penalties - one each against Germany, Portugal and in the semi-final against England, where he also scored from a free kick. His midfield colleague Manuel Locatelli also managed a free kick goal against Austria.
Respect on both sides
Vanoli is full of praises for his team and demands the next step to be taken in the final with France: "It's unbelievable what we've achieved so far. I'm very proud of my players' performances, but we aren't done yet. We will give our best to fulfil the dream of winning the European Championships" But the 43-year-old knows what awaits his team in the final: "We know that we face a very strong opponent. France have players in their squad, who possess incredibly quality for their age and make regular appearances in the highest professional leagues."
His counterpart Ludovic Batelli showed equal amount of respect for the Italian side: "We studied Italy in many games. They defend very well and have a quick transition. They are also dangerous from set-pieces. We are prepared for all of these aspects," assured Batelli but at the same time warned: "It will be a difficult game, but once you've reached the final you want to win it."
