Tallinn, Estonia – Italy secured their place in the final of the 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship on Thursday, defeating Spain 4-2 on penalties after a gripping 1-1 draw at Lilleküla Stadium. The result sets up an intriguing finale against Belgium, who earlier stunned France 1-0 in the other semifinal. Italy, seeking their third title in this age category, overcame a Spanish side that entered the match as heavy favorites, having dominated possession and created numerous chances throughout the ninety minutes.
The encounter began with Spain dictating the tempo, their intricate passing game pinning Italy deep inside their own half. The Rojita, record nine-time winners of the competition, were awarded a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 28th minute when Christian Imga stepped up to take a penalty. However, Italian goalkeeper Christian Lupo produced a magnificent save, diving low to his left to parry the shot away. That miss proved to be a pivotal moment, swinging momentum in Italy's favor.
Just before the interval, the Azzurri were handed a penalty of their own. Federico Croci assumed the responsibility and coolly converted, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Italy a 1-0 lead despite having been largely outplayed. The goal was a sucker punch for Spain, who had looked the more dangerous side but lacked a cutting edge in the final third.
After the break, Spain continued to press forward in search of an equalizer. Enzo Alves, the striker with Brazilian heritage who chose to represent Spain, rattled the crossbar with a powerful header in the 72nd minute, exemplifying Spain's misfortune. With time running out, Spain finally broke through in the 77th minute. Substitute Mikel Urrestarazu was quickest to react during a goalmouth scramble, stabbing the ball home to level the score and keep his team alive.
With the rules of the tournament stipulating no extra time in the knockout stages, the match went directly to a penalty shootout. Italy goalkeeper Lupo, already a hero for his earlier save, emerged as the decisive figure once more. He denied both Enzo Alves and Ian Mencia from twelve yards, while all four Italian takers kept their composure. The final spot-kick sealed a 4-2 shootout victory, sparking wild celebrations among the Italian players and staff.
Italy will now prepare for a final against Belgium, a team making history by reaching its first ever U17 European final. Belgium’s path to the decider saw them overcome France with a disciplined 1-0 win, a result that surprised many given France's pedigree at youth level. This final guarantees a new name on the trophy if Belgium win, or a third triumph for Italy after their successes in 1982 and a more recent victory that ended a long drought.
The achievement carries significant weight for Italian football, which has placed renewed emphasis on youth development in recent years. The U17 side's run follows a similar path to the senior national team's resurgence, and it highlights the depth of talent emerging from the peninsula. For goalkeeper Lupo, his penalty-saving heroics will be remembered as a key factor in Italy's journey.
Spain, meanwhile, will lament their missed opportunities, particularly the early penalty failure and Alves' close call. The young forward, son of Brazilian legend Marcelo, had been a standout performer in the tournament but could not deliver when it mattered most. His decision to represent Spain over Brazil has been in the spotlight, and this heartbreak will be a tough moment in his young career.
As Italy and Belgium gear up for Sunday's 19:00 kickoff, the final promises to be a clash of contrasting styles and narratives. Italy, experienced at this stage, will look to impose their defensive solidity and capitalize on set pieces. Belgium, the underdog, will aim to continue their dream run and lift a maiden European trophy. Whatever the outcome, this year's U17 Euro has already delivered memorable moments and signaled the rise of a new generation of footballers.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.