After dispatching Colombia U20 3-1 in the quarter-finals, Italy U20 will play in a semi-final for the third time over the last four editions of the U20 World Cup when they go one-on-one against South Kore U20 on Friday at 21:00 GMT.
Key Highlights
Italy’s Form
The last time Italy U20 met Korea U20 was in 1981 when the Asians beat the Europeans 4-1. Italy will be cautious in approaching this match as they look to bolster their chances of proceeding to the final and enhancing their chances of scooping the gong.
The Azzurini have a brilliant attack, which has been demonstrated in this tournament, on their route to the semi-finals. They will look to replicate their brilliant form on Friday when they play Korea.
The hope will be that their top players, led by Cesare Casadei, will be on top form and confident on Friday. This will ensure that their performance is of a high level, which will be needed to overcome Korea.
Korea U20’s Defensive Plan
Korea U20 will have to be wary of the attacking talent Italy is boasting and what they have shown in this tournament so far.
Therefore, focusing on a defensive structure will be important. However, getting the solidity right without losing the attacking threat is challenging. Korea will need their attacking game to remain sharp to overcome Italy on Friday.
Bet hereSouth Korea are the only team in the U20 semi-final that has yet to taste defeat at this tournament. They will be looking to preserve that fact when they face Italy on Friday. They hope that they have sufficient momentum to overcome the Europeans.
Injury Report
Italy U20
Daniele Ghilardi is likely to be drafted back into the defensive setup after serving a one-match suspension for accumulating yellow cards.
Cesare Casadei is also expected to be back fit to start the match against South Kore on Friday as coach Carmine Nunziata looks to pick his strongest side to bolster their chances of making it into the finals.
Korea U20
South Korea have no worries regarding injuries or suspensions. The only cause for concern will be fatigue for the team given they sealed the semi-final place after an extra time 1-0 triumph over Nigeria.
Choi Seok-Hyun will likely have a role to play in the semi-final after he was the national hero for scoring the winning goals against Ecuador and Nigeria after extra time.
Possible Lineups
Italy U20
S. Desplanches; R. Turicchia, G. Guarino, D. Ghilardi, M. Zanotti; C. casadei, M. Prati, S. Giovane; T. Baldanzi; G. Ambrosino, F. P. Esposito
Korea U20
J. Kim; C. Park, S. Choi, J. Kim, S. Bae; S. Kang, C. Lee; Y. Kim, S. Lee, S. J. Kang; Y. Lee
Prediction
Italy U20 will look to be dominant in this match. However, the focus will be in establishing a fine balance between defense and attack. Italy will play with a medium-low bloc and cede possession to Kore U20 in their half.
This approach will allow Italy to draw Kore onto them and enable their attacking players to attack the spaces left behind with pace, especially on the break.
Kore U20 will look to be disciplined and compact in their approach. Although they will not be totally reactive throughout the match, they will prioritize solidity in their approach. They know they will be punished if they allow Italy the spaces in behind.
They will aggressively win the ball back and press Italy, especially when Italy moves the ball to the attacking third. They will use quick vertical passing to convert defense into attack in transitions and counter-pressing.
Italy will win the match and book their place in the final of this U20 World Cup tournament.
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