Sunday 26 May 2019, 15:25

Clinical Italy secure their place in knockout stage

Italy overcame ten-man Ecuador 1-0 to ensure their qualification to the next round at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland 2019. It was an absorbing and incident-heavy contest in front a full Bydgoszcz crowd.

Azzurri captain Andrea Pinamonti scored the lone goal in the 15th minute with a piece of technical skill, guiding in a half-volley with his right foot after Gianluca Scamacca teed him up perfectly with a cushioned header. Luca Pellegrini provided the initial service with a high, lofted cross.

The match took a turn when towering Ecuador centre-back Jackson Porozo was shown a straight red card following a high and late challenge on Alessandro Tripaldelli.

Ecuador had a golden opportunity to level matters after Jose Cifuentes had his shirt pulled by Enrico Del Prato. The referee awarded the penalty following a VAR review, but Leonardo Campana had his attempt saved by Alessandro Plizzari seconds before half-time.

Jorge Celico’s side ultimately could not find their way past a superb performance from the Italian defence, namely Plizzari.

Next up (Wednesday)

Ecuador-Mexico (18:00 local time) Italy-Japan (18:00 local time)

Follow Poland 2019