Rival managers Bernardo Corradi and Gareth McAuley are predicting a tasty encounter when Italy clash with Northern Ireland in the Uefa Under 19 Championship at Inver Park on Thursday night (7pm).
While Northern Ireland held Ukraine to a scoreless draw in Larne on Monday, the defending champions squeezed past Norway 2-1 in their opener at Seaview.
In McAuley’s first game in charge in September 2023, Northern Ireland lost 3-2 to Italy, but that was a friendly in Tuscany – this is a European Championship tussle between two much-changed sides.
Former Northern Ireland defender McAuley had goalkeeper Pierce Charles to thank following a hard-earned point against Ukraine, and he recognises his side must find another gear against the defending champions.
“We can improve,” said McAuley. “We started our journey against Italy, and it will be interesting to see what levels we can reach.
“Against Italy, we enjoyed the majority of possession, despite losing the game.
“I want the players to be brave on the ball, it’s the best way for them to play.
“We expel so much energy during transition, and it can leave you hanging on at the end.
“If we can control possession better, we are a stronger side.”
Striker Simone Pafundi will be out to cause Northern Ireland issues when he lines out for Italy
Luca Di Maggio and Kevin Zeroli scored for Italy, who fought back from a goal down to sink Norway.
Former Italy and Manchester City striker Corradi expects a tough assignment against the hosts.
“We have had a very warm welcome in Northern Ireland,” said Corradi.
“We have been preparing a lot and have been ready for this great tournament.
“Our opponents have been studied, and we expect high-tempo, tough matches.
“Northern Ireland will be tough opponents. It can be hard because they haven’t had tough competitive games to reach the Finals, but they can build up their preparation. You can experiment in friendly matches.
“The fans will be behind the team, and it’s good for everyone. They will be looking to progress to the knock-outs.
“The squads have changed a lot since we played each other in September. The coaches are the same, but many players are different. It will be another challenging and difficult game.”
Italy’s Luca Di Maggio celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal in their Under-19 Euro win over Norway
AC Milan youngsters Davide Bartesaghi and Zeroli are two to watch, while leading the line will be Simone Pafundi, who already has a senior Italy cap to his name.
The European giants claimed this trophy in 2003 and again in 2023.
“I am convinced that we have what it takes to reach the Semi-Finals and then go to the Final,” argued Corradi.
“What reassures me is seeing the boys focused and attentive.
“In these tournaments, it’s limiting to talk about just the starting 11.
“The five substitutions can change the game and maintain the team’s performance. Everyone will be important.
“Our style has been to control games, and we have had success at youth level.
“The players should play with a smile – they are very lucky.
“Very few guys can say they have played at a Euro Under-19 Finals. The facilities are very good, and we have to enjoy the tournament after preparing physically and mentally.
“The players are very focused – but they could smile more and enjoy it more.
“Some of them have good experience at club level, and they understand the need to perform at 100 per cent.”
Also in Group A on Thursday, Norway take on Ukraine at Seaview (3.30pm).