U20 World Cup: Italy beats China and sets sights on Korea

U20 World Cup: the Under‑20 women's national team beat China on penalties, winning 6‑5, and secured a place in the quarter‑finals of the tournament in Poland, with the next match against South Korea on Saturday at 15:00 in Sosnowiec.

Qualification path

Italy took the lead in the 34th minute of the first half with Appiah's goal, although another account reports the 29th minute. In the second half, China equalised in the 23rd minute with Wang's strike, bringing the score to 1‑1 until the end of extra time.

The draw was settled on penalties, where the Azzurrine scored all five kicks, while the Asian side missed due to an error by Chenyu.

“It was a difficult, intense match, and all the players on the field deserve congratulations,” coach Matteucci said. “Reaching this stage of the competition is a great pride. In the penalty shoot‑out the girls were excellent at staying cool, regaining the composure they had at the start of the game.”

On Saturday at 15:00, the Azzurrine will face South Korea again in Sosnowiec, aiming to confirm their place among the top eight national teams in the world.

With this victory, Italy joins the tournament’s top eight teams, writing a new chapter in the history of the Under‑20 women's national team.

The journey continues, with coach Matteucci emphasizing that the girls are still writing the story of youth women’s football.