U-20 WC: Italy defeat Brazil to take top spot from Nigeria
Italy U-20 defeated Brazil U-20 3-2 to take group D top spot from Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina.
In the opening group D game, Nigeria came from behind to edge debutants Dominican Republic 2-1 at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza.
Italy and Brazil took to the same turf an hour later to get their campaign underway.
It was the Europeans who started like a house on fire, with three first half goals to subdue their South American opponents.
Matteo Prati scored the opening goal for Italy. His right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box found its way into the net.
Cesare Casadei then scored in the 27th and 35th minute as scored at 3-0 at the half-time break.
Brazil emerged for the second half a much changed side. The Ramon Menezes tutored lads gave a good account of themselves to pull two goals back.
Marcos Leonardo struck the Selecao Sub U-20 first goal in the 72nd minute before bagging his brace with a fine header in the 87th minute.
A late fight-back it was, one the Italians survived to win 3-2,
As it stands, Italy are top of the standings with three points same as Nigeria but with a better goal-scored +3.
Italy and Nigeria will face-off on May 24, 2023, the winner of that encounter will progress to the knock-out round at the Argentina 2023 FIFA World Cup.
