Official: Bollini confirms Italy U19 squad for Latvia, Spain and France

Charles Herrmann of U19 Germany challenges Filippo Pagnucco (L) of Juventus and U19 Italy during the UEFA Under-19 Football Friendly Match between U19 Germany and U19 Italy at NK Podravina Stadium on September 7, 2024 in Ludbreg, Croatia. (Photo by Jure Makovec/Getty Images for DFB)

Alberto Bollini has

his squad of 20 Italy U19 players to take on Latvia, Spain and France in the Elite Round of qualification for the 2025 edition of the U19 European Championships. 

The U19 European Championships and its qualification process works differently to how it does at senior level. The competition is an annual affair, but only features eight teams in the final tournament. 

At the beginning of qualification, the 52 participating teams are divided into 13 groups of four. They then play each team in their group once, and the top two teams from each group, plus the best two third-placed teams qualify for the Elite Phase. 

The 28 teams in the Elite phase are divided into seven groups of four. They then play each other once, and the seven group winners go on to qualify for the final tournament, joining the host nation. 

Italy have already qualified for the Elite Phase, but are now in arguably the toughest group of the draw, alongside reigning champions Spain, last year’s runners up, France, as well as Latvia. Italy are the second-most recent champions, having won in 2023. 

Below is the squad of 20 players called up to represent Italy in the Elite Phase of U19 European Championship qualification. They will play at home against Latvia on March 19, Spain at home on March 22 and France away on March 25.

Official: Italy U19 squad for Latvia, Spain and France 

Goalkeepers: Diego Mascardi (Spezia), Alessandro Nunziante (Benevento). 

Defenders: Cristian Cama (Roma), Matteo Cocchi (Inter), Niccolo Fortini (Juve Stabia), Felipe Jack (Como), Matteo Plaia (Perugia), Filippo Reale (Roma). 

Midfielders: Federico Coletta (Roma), Alessandro Di Nunzio (Roma), Leonardo Mendicino (Cesena), Fabio Rispoli (Virtus Verona), Tomasso Rubino (Fiorentina), Lorenzo Venutrino (Genoa), Mattia Zanchetta (Inter). 

Forwards: Richi Agbonifo (Verona), Federico Cassa (Atalanta), Giacomo De Pieri (Inter), Mattia Mosconi (Inter), Matteo Spinacce (Inter).