Daniele Franceschini’s young Azzurri completed a dramatic comeback in the European Championship final, equalizing in stoppage time before defeating Belgium on penalties to lift the trophy.
Italy’s future has delivered another reason to smile.
The Azzurrini are once again champions of Europe after defeating Belgium in a dramatic UEFA European Under-17 Championship final that seemed destined to end in heartbreak before turning into a night of celebration.
Daniele Franceschini’s side trailed with just minutes remaining, found an equalizer deep into stoppage time, and then held their nerve in a tense penalty shootout to secure Italy’s second consecutive European title at Under-17 level.
The script felt remarkably familiar for Italian football supporters.
Just as Roberto Mancini’s senior national team did during its triumphant Euro 2020 campaign, this young Italy side defeated Spain in the semifinals on penalties before overcoming another opponent in the final from the spot after falling behind late in the match.
Five years ago many of these players were children watching Italy conquer Europe. On Saturday night, they wrote their own chapter in Azzurri history.
Belgium Strike Late, Italy Refuse to Give Up
The final was not Italy’s most convincing performance of the tournament.
Belgium controlled large portions of possession and created the clearer opportunities throughout the match. The young Red Devils nearly took the lead in the first half when Benktib was presented with an open goal after a save by Italian goalkeeper Lupo, but the Belgian striker fired wide.
Italy struggled to create chances of their own. Talented attacking players Corigliano and Croci were unable to influence the game consistently, while Belgium continued to push for a breakthrough.
That breakthrough finally arrived in the 85th minute.
Substitute Ojea, who had immediately changed the rhythm of the game after coming on, produced a brilliant individual move down the right wing before finding the goal that seemed set to hand Belgium the trophy.
With only minutes remaining, Italy appeared beaten.
But this generation has repeatedly shown resilience throughout the tournament.
Fugazzola Saves Italy
Just when Belgium could almost touch the trophy, Italy found one last opportunity.
In the first minute of stoppage time, following a corner kick, Ballarin’s shot struck the arm of Belgian defender Dierckx inside the penalty area.
The referee pointed to the spot.
Fugazzola stepped up under enormous pressure and calmly converted the penalty in the 91st minute, sending the Italian bench into wild celebrations and forcing the final into a penalty shootout.
Perillo Delivers the Decisive Blow
The shootout was every bit as dramatic as the match itself.
The first six penalties were all converted before the tension began to take over. Belgium’s Ojea missed, followed by Italy’s Rocca. Moments later, Moorthamer also failed to score, handing Italy a golden opportunity.
The responsibility fell on Diego Perillo.
The Empoli striker showed remarkable composure, burying the decisive penalty and triggering scenes of joy among players, coaches and supporters.
Italy were champions of Europe once again.
Another Golden Generation Emerging
The victory continues an impressive period for Italy’s youth national teams.
After winning the Under-19 European Championship in 2023 and the Under-17 title in 2024, Italian football has now added another major trophy to its growing collection. There have also been several deep runs in international competitions, including the Under-20 World Cup final in 2023.
While the senior national team continues to search for stability after another World Cup disappointment, the youth sector keeps producing talent, competitive teams and winning mentalities.
This latest triumph does not guarantee future success at senior level.
But it is another powerful reminder that Italian football’s future remains bright.
And on this unforgettable night, that future stood proudly on top of Europe.
