Croatia U19 vs Italy U19

The Group B matchday 2 fixture at The Oval (attendance: 1,203) was a game of Italian pressure met by Croatian resilience. Alberto Bollini made one change from the 2-0 opening win over Serbia — Samuel Wiafe replaced Christian Comotto on the right of the attack, with Federico Coletta shifting into midfield and Mattia Liberali operating as an advanced playmaker.

Croatia, beaten 3-1 by Ukraine on Matchday 1, set up in a compact 4-4-2 under coach Sinisa Orescanin, anchored by the towering 194cm centre-half Leonardo Puljić — a new Atalanta signing — who marshalled Italy's frontline throughout.

The first half produced few clear openings. Italy captain Emanuele Sala drove a 25-yard effort just wide, while Juri Iddrissou had a snapshot from inside the area saved. Croatia's best moment came when Pavle Smiljanić was threaded through but could not capitalise. The half ended 0-0, with neither goalkeeper seriously tested.

The game's defining moment arrived in the 61st minute. Federico Nardin surged down the right and delivered a cross to the far post where Mattia Mosconi, unmarked, met it with a diving header — but directed it just wide. It was Italy's clearest opening and, as the match wore on, it proved the one that got away.

Bollini made a double substitution on 65 minutes, introducing Milan's Matteo Marello and Christian Comotto for Liberali and Matteo Cocchi. Marello, a set-piece specialist, immediately curled a dangerous free-kick into the box. Iddrissou's flicked header seemed destined for the net, but Croatia goalkeeper Matej Kostopeč reacted sharply to tip it around the post — perhaps the save of the match.

Matej Kostopeč (Croatia U19) — Made four saves, including the vital stop from Iddrissou's flick. Commanded his area well despite Italy's 16-shot barrage.

Leonardo Puljić (Croatia U19) — The 194cm Atalanta-bound centre-half won almost every aerial duel, making a match-high 12 clearances in a man-of-the-match defensive display.

Emanuele Sala (Italy U19) — The Milan midfielder pulled the strings and came closest to breaking the deadlock with a first-half drive that flew just wide. Completed 89% of his 48 passes.

Federico Nardin (Italy U19) — Provided Italy's most threatening moments from right-back, including the cross that nearly found Mosconi.

Player of the Match: Leonardo Puljić (Croatia U19)

Italy's 16 shots (4 on target) to Croatia's 5 (2 on target) tell the story of territorial dominance without incision. Croatia's 63.7% possession and 643 completed passes at 87.1% accuracy reflect a deliberate game plan: keep the ball, suffocate space, deny transitions. The 49 clearances — more than three times Italy's 15 — confirm the depth of Croatia's defensive block.

Italy won 88.2% of their tackles but attempted fewer (17) than Croatia (20 at 65%), indicating they were forced into riskier interventions less often — but also struggled to recover possession high up the pitch. The six corners to three for Italy reflect their pressure, but only one forced a meaningful save.

Ukraine's 2-1 win over Serbia in the other Group B match (Nantporth Stadium, Bangor, 19:00 BST) leaves the group finely poised:

Italy face Ukraine on Sunday 5 July (17:00 BST, The Oval) in a straight shootout for a semi-final place and qualification for the 2027 U20 World Cup. A draw would almost certainly take Italy through, but defeat could let Croatia back in if they beat Serbia in the other match.

Croatia face Serbia on 5 July (19:00 BST, Nantporth Stadium, Bangor). A win would keep alive their faint hopes of finishing third, which carries a U20 World Cup play-off place.

A game that delivered exactly what Croatia wanted and exactly what Italy did not. The Azzurrini dominated possession and created enough chances to win, but ran into a Croatia side that had clearly studied Ukraine's blueprint: stay compact, stay patient, and frustrate. The point keeps Italy in control of their own destiny — but the margin for error against Ukraine is now zero.