The UEFA EURO U-19 semi-final will take centre-stage on Tuesday evening when the England U-19 team takes on Italy U-19 at the Narodne Treningove Centrum SFZ Stadium at 16:00GMT with a place in the U-19s final at stake.
Match Preview
Can England U-19s Continue their Winning Run by Beating Italy U-19s to make it to the Final?
The Three Lions U-19s will be looking to qualify for the final when they face Italy U-19s on Tuesday.
The focus will be on leveraging their current fine form to win the match and extend their winning run to five matches in international outings for the young side.
Italy will pose a robust opposition given their discipline and resilience from previous meetings between the two sides.
Ian Foster’s side will be looking to fulfil their immense potential by qualifying for the final, given the quality of players at their disposal in this tournament and the robust surge in power of the English game in the younger age groups.
Can Italy U-19s Bounce Back to Winning Ways from the 4-1 Defeat to France U-19 by Beating the Three Lions on Tuesday?
Last time out, the Italy U-19 team lost 4-1 to the France U-19 in the UEFA EURA U-19 group stage fixture. The Italian side will be looking to bounce back to winning ways when they face England U-19s on Tuesday.
They will also be looking to ensure that they produce a- performance that can overcome to English side to pit them to the UEFA EURA U-19 final.
Italy will focus on neutralising the attacking threat posed by the rapid English offensive players. However, the emphasis on the defensive unit will have to be tempered with the intent to attack to ensure that the team is not rendered impotent going forward.
The balance between defence and attack will be central to Italy’s approach on Tuesday as they bid to beat a highly favoured English U-19 side.
Form Guide
England U-19
England U-19s have won their last five outings in international football. This 100% run of form demonstrates the strength and depth of Ian Foster’s side and underscores the stakes ahead of their clash with Italy U-19s on Tuesday.
The wins have come against Bosnia and Herzegovina U-19 (4-1) in the qualifying round of the UEFA EURO U-19 and Arsenal U-23 (6-1) in a friendly clash.
Ian Foster’s side have also won against Austria U-19 (2-0), Serbia U-19 (4-0), and Israel U-19 (1-0) in the group stage of the UEFA EURO U-19.
Italy U-19
In their three outings in the group stage of the UEFA EURO U-19, Italy U-19 have won twice and lost once.
The two victories came against Romania U-19 (2-1) and Slovakia U-19 (1-0). The defeat came in a clash against France U-19 (4-1).
In this run, Italy U-19 have kept just one clean sheet against Slovakia U-19, conceding five goals and scoring four in the process.
Italy U-19 will focus on keeping a clean sheet against England U-19 on Tuesday as they look to frustrate Ian Foster’s side and prevent them from implementing their free-flowing and attacking style of football.
Possible Starting Lineups
England U-19
Sharman-Lowe; B. Humphreys, R. Edwards, J. Quansah; L. Chambers, C. Chukwuemeka, A. Scott, D. Oyegoke; A. Devine, L. Delap, S. Illing-Junior
Italy U-19
Zacchi; A. Fontanarosa, D. Coppola, R. Stivanello, R. Turicchia; J. Fazzini, D. D. Innocenti, F. Terracciano; T. Baldanzi; G. A. Di Bruttopilo, C. Volpato
Players to Watch
Christian Volpato
The forward made 28 appearances for Roma U-19 last season and grabbed 11 goals and 4 assists.
He has been capped three times with the Italy U-19s and has grabbed 2 goals already.
Volpato will be crucial tactically for the Italy U-19 when they face England U-19s on Tuesday given his tactical versatility in the attacking areas.
Liam Delap
The Manchester City forward has burst onto the scene with massive potential and promise.
He made 10 appearances for the Ma City under-23s and grabbed 8 goals and 2 assists.
Delap will be crucial for England U-19 when they face Italy on Tuesday with an appearance in the final at stake.
Prediction
England U-19s will focus on dominating the match by dictating the tempo and keeping possession through patient build-up from the back.
Italy will focus on being solid and counter-attacking when presented with opportunities.
England U-19s will win the match and qualify for an appearance in the final.
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