U-20 World Cup: Italy beat Colombia to advance, await winner of Nigeria vs South Korea in last-4
In their 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup quater-final clash, Italy beat Colombia 3-1 to advance and will await the winner of Nigeria vs South Korea in the last-4.
Just like in all but one of their matches at this tournament, the Gil Azzurrini were first to hit the target. Top-scorer Cesare Casadei headed home a Tommaso Baldanzi cross in the 9th minute.
A Colombian push for redemption saw failed efforts from Alexis Castillo Manyoma and Tomas Angel while Italy’s Mattia Zanotti had a saved chance before superstars Tommaso Baldanzi and Cesare Casadei combined to score the second goal.
Chelsea FC player Cesare Casedei was provider this time for Empoli midfielder Tommaso Baldanzi to fire in from close range to put Italy 2-0 up in the 38th minute.
First half ended Italy 2-0 Colombia in San Juan.
Italy did extend their lead to 3-0 in the first minute of the second half. . Francesco Esposito poked home from inside the six-yard box off a pass from the impressive Tommaso Baldanzi.
In the 49th minute, Colombia attempted a fightback when Jhojan Torres smashed in from outside the box off a David Luna assist.
The goal sparked life into the South American side and a belief they could comeback against the Italians.
That was not to be as both teams shared spells of dominance for the remaining part of the match.
Tomas Angel . Yapas Aspirilla , Andrés Salazar and Jorge Cabezas all had their efforts saved by Italy U-20 goalkeeper Sebastien Desplanches.
Substitute Daniele Montevago had three efforts for Carmine Nunziatta tutored Italy U-20 team who were content in protecting their lead.
At the expiration of regulation time, it was another South American team heading out of the tournament as Italy advanced with a 3-1 quater-final result at the San Juan del Bicentenario.
Italy will now await the winner of Sunday’s quater-final match involving their group stage conquerors Nigeria vs South Korea.
Nigeria are the only team to beat Italy at this tournament, a 2-0 win for the Flying Eagles in Mendoza also the only game the Italians have failed to score a goal.
