USA Under-20’s preparing for Italy in U-20 World Cup

The Men’s U-20 Team is looking to make a run, and it starts with Italy

After a strong group stage against New Caledonia, France, and a loss to South Africa, the US Men’s U-20 National Team is getting ready for a big match-up against an Italian side that has been inconsistent in group play. This will be a test for the USA to get a victory and move on to the quarterfinals.

Recapping the USA’s Group

The US Men’s U-20 Team had three matches where they were the stronger side. They scored often and early against New Caledonia from Oceania, then three late goals in seven minutes on the back end of the second half and into stoppage time against France. Opened the scoring against South Africa, but lost the lead in first half stoppage time. But the goal differential helped them secure the top of Group D.

Recapping Italy’s Group

Italy finished in second place, while Argentina got the clean sweep in Group D. Dylan Gorosito got the lone goal for Argentina in the 74th minute. In their next match against Cuba, Italy had a comfortable two goal lead until Jamal Iddrissou was sent off in the third minute of first half stoppage time.

Then conceded two goals to end the match in a tie. Their only win of the group stage came against Australia in the final match. An early penalty was converted in the 10th minute by Mattia Mannini to secure their second place position for the round of 16.

Attacking play and confidence

The USA has shown they are looking to create chances, and they want to be on the front foot. Ben Cremaschi, Zavier Gozo, Marcos Zambrano, and Brooklyn Raines will look to be on the front foot to challenge and score goals. Adam Beaudry has been stellar in the net. Niko Tsakiris and Taha Habroune are the veterans in this age group to help solidify this World Cup squad.

Be aware of Italy’s change in play

For the number of years Italy has performed on the World Stage, either through the Euros, the Youth World Cups, and if they qualify for this coming summer’s World Cup, their group stage has been horrible, but they do enough to qualify for the knockout stage.

Once they enter the knockout stage, they become a different team as they will attempt to bunker and defend to frustrate their opponents every match they play. The job for the US Under 20s and for head coach Marko Mitrovich is to have multiple game plans to break Italy’s defensive prowess and grab a lead.

Either get a goal early or play Italy’s game, then surprise them with a late goal, just like they did to the French. Without a doubt, this will be a difficult match up from the opening whistle. The hope is to return to the Quarterfinals stage and then make a big run.

U.S. Soccer News:

• US U-20’s edged by South Africa, but wins Group E
• USA Destroys New Caledonia and Beats France late in Under 20 World Cup
• Julien Hall & Aiden Stokes Called up to US Under 17 National Team

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