Cisse gives Italy U21 the victory in Armenia after two posts

Thursday 1 October 2026, Italy U21 led by Silvio Baldini secured three points in Armenia thanks to Alphadjo Cisse's 95th-minute goal, after two wooden beams and a missed penalty, closing the match 1‑0 in a game valid for the Nations League Euro 2027 qualifiers.

Increasing difficulty and missed chances

Italy imposed a clear technical superiority from the first minute, controlling possession and creating the first chances. In the 20th minute Fini hit the post with a header, while in the 70th minute Comuzzo responded with another shot that ended on the crossbar. In the second half, the Armenian defence conceded a penalty in the 76th minute, but Koleosho missed the conversion, leaving the hosts a step away from victory. Goalkeeper Palmisani made a crucial save in the 31st minute, preventing a possible opponent advantage.

Baldini decided to change three players at the start of the second half, introducing Cisse, Lulli and Liberali. In the first half, Ndour brushed past the goal with a header in the 31st minute. Cisse, a 2006-born Milan player, immediately showed energy, creating dangers on the right flank. His presence increased the offensive pressure, culminating in the concession of the penalty.

The penalty awarded to Koleosho was saved by Armenian goalkeeper Davtyan, who then performed a miracle in the 93rd minute by deflecting a left-footed shot from Cisse. Two minutes later, in the 95th minute, Cisse received the ball again inside the area, struck with his left foot and beat the goalkeeper, securing the final result. The pace of the match increased progressively, making the ending even more intense.

Italy kicks off a new era, secured top seed for Euro 2028

After the match, Baldini said: “Not winning this match would have been an injustice. After two wooden beams, a missed penalty, other chances that we turned into goals… this was one of those classic games that sometimes.” He added that, at this age, the emotion is more hope than fear, and that now the team is focusing on the next clash against Poland. Baldini emphasized that the players’ calm allowed them to react despite the difficulties.

Consequences for qualification

With the 1‑0 win, the Azzurrini move closer to first place in Group E, but they will need to beat Poland in the final match to secure direct qualification for the 2027 Euros, which will be played in Albania and Serbia. The next match is scheduled for next Monday in Pescara, where a victory will guarantee automatic progression.

The match was broadcast live on Nations League Football Highlights Live, with video and photos, and included segments dedicated to Tennis, Drive, MotoGp, Pressing, Sportmediaset, XXL, News, Cup, Italy, Super Cup, Italian, Formula, Sport, Podcast, Lifestyle, Championships, Area, EURO, The Euros.

Italy U21, now a step away from first place, looks to the future with the awareness that every point remains decisive in the race towards Euro 2027.