Italy’s Under-17 side have been crowned European champions for the second year running, beating Belgium 5-4 on penalties in the final in Tallinn, Estonia, after the match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Belgium took the lead in the 85th minute through substitute Ojea, but Italy hit back almost immediately when Atalanta youngster Fugazzola, who had only been on the pitch for three minutes, converted a penalty in stoppage time after a handball in the box. The spot kick sent the game straight to a shootout, with no extra time played under the tournament’s rules.
In the shootout, Belgium missed through Ojea, Rocca, and Moorthamer, with Moorthamer hitting the crossbar. Italy held their nerve, with Perillo slotting home the winning penalty.
Italy had been the standout side throughout the tournament, the only team to go unbeaten in the group stage, picking up wins over France and Montenegro and drawing with Denmark. They then beat Spain on penalties in the semi-finals, again after a 1-1 draw.
It is Italy’s second European Under-17 title in a row, having beaten Portugal in the 2024 final in Limassol. Across all age-group meetings between the two nations, Italy have never lost, winning five and drawing two of seven matches played.
