In what has been dubbed a sensational summer of sport, the big tournaments are coming at us fast.
The Open has swung into action after Euro 2024 and now we have our own Uefa Under-19 Championship in Northern Ireland.
Let’s call it our ‘mini major’, with the Irish Football Association putting their shoulder to the wheel to ensure it runs smoothly.
Uefa’s patience is already being tested with the ongoing squabbles around Casement Park ahead of Euro 2028 so this event needs to shine a positive light on Northern Ireland.
There’s a huge amount of work that goes into its preparation and running, a lot of people are spinning plates not just in the hotels and VIP areas.
It’s not a Uefa window which means we aren’t seeing the cream of the crop but that doesn’t mean we are being short-changed.
You can rely on the boys in blue – the mighty Italy and defending champions – to liven up the party. Well, boys in blue socks – their shirts and shorts were predominantly white.
Italy had Torino midfielder Aaron Ciammaglichella in their starting line-up, a player not from Belfast as far as we know.
After the home side’s scoreless draw with Ukraine, the Azzurri academy products were expected to pose more serious questions to Gareth McAuley’s young guns.
As the rain drifted down, there was the faint hope the Northern Irish summer could disturb them just a little but there was no shock twist as the favourites ran out 3-0 winners.
Not even the weather gods could stop Bernardo Corradi’s men from stamping their class on the Inver Park surface as the crowd of 2003 watched an Italian side playing with style and a swagger.
It was all hands to the deck absorbing early pressure with Blaine McClure alert to the danger.
In a compact 4-3-3 formation, Northern Ireland looked to cut off Italy’s supply lines but on 15 minutes Kevin Zeroli was lethal in the penalty area, slotting home after the ball fell kindly in his path.
The boys from AC Milan, Inter Milan and Roma to name a few were loving life in Larne but they received a wake up call on 28 minutes when Kieran Morrison’s set piece fell kindly to George Goodman and the Badford City man forced a fine save from Roma stopper Renato Marin.
In first half injury time the hosts were rocked again as Francesco Camarda found the corner of the net with a fair amount of style and precision.
The 16-year-old AC Milan striker drove his side firmly in control. Was this now damage limitation for Northern Ireland?
Among those looking was Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill, Under-21 boss Tommy Wright, Irish FA Technical Director Aaron Hughes, Irish FA chief-executive Patrick Nelson and former IFA presidents Jim Shaw and Jim Boyce.
The half-time hospitality was so enjoyable, some of the distinguished guests were taking their seats just as Camarda fired home in the 48th minute following a teasing cross from half time substitute Vittorio Magni.
Italy were clearly a different proposition to Ukraine, their game was easier on the eye.
Northern Ireland escaped further punishment when Pafundi’s free kick dropped narrowly wide of the upright.
Lorenzo Anghele also came close with a low drive against a Northern Ireland which continued to attack and on 83 minutes Marin had to palm away Braiden Graham’s dangerous effort.
It’s back to back wins for Italy while Northern Ireland conclude their group commitments against Norway at Seaview this weekend.
Another formidable challenge for the hosts but it’s still all to play for as McAuley plots a Super Sunday.
Northern Ireland: Charles, Barr, Thompson, Briggs, Goodman (Atcheson 64), Lennon, McClure (Trickett 64), Stitt (Smith 77), Morrison (A Doherty 77), Evans (Graham 54), J Doherty. Subs not used: Munn, Hamilton, McCallion, Glenfield.
Italy: Marin, Bartesaghi, Chiarodia, Lipani (Anghele 64), Mane, Di Maggio (Harder 54), Parfundi, Camarda (Sia 71), Mannini, Ciammaglichella (Magni 46), Zeroli (Romano 54). Subs not used: Magro, Ebone, Corradi, Pagnucco.
Referee: Ishmael Barbara (Malta).
Man of match: Francesco Camarda.
Match rating: 7/10.