Italy U19, Coverciano gathering ahead of Round 2 qualifiers
Massimiliano Favo's Italy U19 squad prepares for the crucial phase of European qualifying with a gathering in Tuscany. From 11 to 17 November, Italy faces Romania, Ukraine and Israel in their group stage.
After dominating the first qualifying phase held in Scotland in March with seven points from three matches, the young Azzurri now face the next stage of their journey toward the European championship. Favo has organized a two-day gathering at the Coverciano training center on 2 and 3 November, after which he will announce the twenty players selected for the official matches. The twenty-two players called up for this stage include goalkeepers Alessio Catalano and Francesco Cereser; defenders Benit Borasio, Tommaso Casadei, Alessandro Cenerelli, Niccolò Conti, Andrea Cullotta, Davide Pavesi, Mattia Ridolfi and Edoardo Tartaglia; midfielders Andrea Ballanti, Christian Dottori, Samuele Liberali, Giuseppe Martone, Filippo Plazzotta and Marco Tiozzo Pagio; forwards David Bonacina, Vincenzo Damiano, Gabriele Falasca, Christian Fogliaro, Luca Lo Monaco and Leopoldo Vitale.
The draw has assigned the Azzurri to Group A6 alongside Romania, Ukraine and Israel. Three matches that determine progression to the final qualifying phase in March. All games will be played in the Marche region: the first on 11 November at the Del Conero stadium in Ancona against Romania at 15:30; the second on 14 November at the Raffaele Mancini stadium in Fano against Ukraine at the same time; the third on 17 November at the Bruno Recchioni stadium in Fermo against Israel at 13:00.
The convocation list reflects Favo's desire to balance continuity with fresh ideas. Four players from Milan and three from Torino form the core squad, alongside talents from established academies such as Juventus, Sassuolo and Bologna. Once the Round 2 hurdle is cleared, the Azzurri will reach the final phase of the European championship, scheduled in Czechia from 18 June to 1 July 2027.