Italia U17 overturn deficit to spark title hopes in Croatia

Italia U17, the Nazionale Under 17, turned a 2‑0 deficit into a 3‑2 victory over Ukraine in Medulin on the third matchday of Group A of the Istria Youth Cup, a tournament running in Croatia until 6 October, with coach Manuel Pasqual lauding his side’s reaction.

Early setback and penalty goal

The Italians fell behind early when Ilya Bodak, the Rukh Lviv striker, converted a penalty in the 21st minute. A second blow arrived at the 41st minute as Nicola Cappellato, the Atalanta midfielder, struck from open play. The spot‑kick resulted from a handball on Bodak inside the box, leaving Italia U17 trailing 2‑0.

Despite the deficit, Gli Azzurrini created several chances before the break. Salvai forced a high effort on the left, while Borsa tested the keeper from twenty metres. Neither effort found the net, and the half‑time whistle confirmed a 2‑0 lead for Ukraine. Pasqual later noted the field did not suit the team’s usual playing style.

Second‑half revival under Pasqual

At the restart, Manuel Pasqual altered the team’s approach, pushing the attack higher up the pitch. Milan forward Gabriele Borsa opened the comeback with a close‑range finish in the 47th minute. Six minutes later he completed his brace from the spot after a foul in the box, prompting applause from the Medulin crowd.

The decisive strike came from Juventus centre‑forward Giuseppe Pipitò, who headed home in the 88th minute to seal a 3‑2 win. Pipitò’s header arrived with just minutes left, sealing the comeback.

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“Overall we played a good match, especially in attack where we had many chances,” Pasqual said. “Defensively we still concede early goals and must raise our concentration,” he added, warning that conceding early goals remains a concern for future fixtures.

Implications for the group standings

The three points lifted Italia U17 to the top of Group A with seven points, ahead of the pending South Korea‑Turkey clash at 15:30. The seven points came from two wins and a draw, keeping them unbeaten.

Pasqual explained that the side will play again on Tuesday 6 October, with the opponent depending on the winner of the Group B final between Croatia and Austria. If Italy finish first they will meet the Group B winner; a second‑place finish would see them face the loser. The additional day will allow the squad to recover and fine‑tune tactics.

Italia U17 lined up in a 4‑3‑1‑2: Vischi in goal; defenders Colombo, captain Damonte, Barbone and Odje; midfielders Norelli, El Hafid and Bernamonte; with Salvai and Borsa up front and Scaglione supporting. Ukraine responded with a 4‑2‑3‑1, featuring goalkeeper Galdin and captain Ilya Bodak as the lone striker; Bodak, the Rukh Lviv striker, scored the opening penalty.