USA U-20’s Rolls Through Italy, Advancing to the Quarterfinals

A masterclass in the Round of 16 match against the Azzurri.

Rancagua, Chile- The US Men’s Under-20 National Team entered their round of 16 match against Italy with a determination to attack and defend against one of the top youth teams in Europe. After the entire 90 minutes had been played, it was the USA who once again advanced to the Quarterfinals of the U-20 World Cup by the final score of three goals to nil.

Ben Cremaschi jumps on the rebound

The ball was placed at the near corner. Niko Tsakiris delivered it to the middle of the area, and Nolan Norris headed the ball at the keeper. The stop was made, but a rebound was created as Ben Cremaschi jumped on the loose ball and put the USA ahead in the 15th minute.

Big Bending Golazo

The USA made it two when they earned a free kick just outside the Italian area at the near side. Cremaschi dummied his run, as Tsakiris took the shot with his left foot, bent the ball around the Azzurri wall, and snuck it inside the near post in the 79th minute.

Italy failed their VAR requests

Late in the second half, Italy believed the USA had fouled their players inside the area and requested a VAR review. Two times they asked for a review, when they thought Frankie Westfeld fouled Christian Corradi when he jumped behind him to play the ball in the 87th minute.

Another moment when it looked like the USA defender pulled down the Italian attacker from the original shot by the midfield camera in the 89th minute. Both Replays showed nothing to impede the Italian Players, including the second VAR review, as the attacker fell on his own. Referee Gustavo Tejera said no penalty for both reviews.

Stoppage Time ender

The fourth official posted six minutes of stoppage time in the second half. The USA ensured a flourish to end this match as Luke Brennan, at the far side touchline, crossed the ball toward Cremaschi, who was trailing the play. He received it and slotted it home for his second of the match in the third minute of six in second half stoppage time.

Returning to the Quarterfinals

With this win, the US Men’s Under-20 National Team has successfully advanced to the Quarterfinals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in five consecutive tournaments, including this year’s in 2025. Marko Mitrovic has done a fabulous job advancing this team to a strong performance and will await the winner of the Morocco/South Korea Match

U.S. Soccer Under-20’s Team News:

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

📧 Subscribe to our Premium Newsletter for:

• Exclusive tactical breakdowns you won’t find anywhere else
• Locker room insights
• Early analysis
• Behind-the-scenes stories that shape the team’s future
  From the press box to your inbox – the authentic voice of American soccer.
• 🔥 Don’t just follow the USMNT. Understand them.
• |Follow @DFeuerstein|Go to Bad Dawg Sports.com|
• Bad Dawg Sports LLC – Your source for global sports news with authentic insider access.