Romario Cunha as a celebrated hero: Portugal beats defending champions Italy in the European Championship final
Italy led twice in the rematch of last year's final against Portugal, but still ultimately lost in the semifinals. The Iberians prevailed in a dramatic penalty shootout and will now challenge France in the final.
Hugs: Goalkeeper Romario Cunha is celebrated by Chelmik (#3). UEFA via Getty Images
After France became the first team to reach the final of the U-17 European Championship with a furious 3-2 win over neighbouring Belgium , the focus in Tirana turned to the duel between Italy and Portugal.
After Italy coach Massimiliano Favo rested several of his regular players in the 2-1 win against Belgium , the Azzurrini started with a nearly complete revamped lineup – only Dauda-Amihere, Bovio, and Steffanoni survived the rotation. This meant Inacio was back in the starting lineup – and the Dortmund player once again found himself in the spotlight.
Inacio's fifth trickIn the 20th minute, he was denied by goalkeeper Romario Cunha with a weakly taken penalty (Furtado on Arena), but he still managed to push the rebound over the line to make it 1-0. It was the 17-year-old's fifth goal of the tournament and a deserved lead for the defending champions, who were more active and pleasing overall.
Promotion yes, promotion no, coach out, new coach in: Things were turbulent at 1. FC Köln just before the end of the season. In the end, they still became second division champions. Who better to talk about all this and the celebrations that followed than Effzeh captain Timo Hübers?
The joy of the lead did not last long, however, as Portugal, who had never beaten Italy at U-17 level, let alone scored a goal, struck coldly in the 2024 final rematch (3-0) with their first chance of the game: Mide sent Duarte Cunha down the right, who crossed inside and found Stevan, who scored the 1-1 - Stevan's marker Dauda Amihere looked unhappy in this scene (28).
It was the only shot on goal in the first half for the Portuguese, who started with the same eleven that won 2-1 against Germany . The second half was more evenly matched, with both teams putting in a lot of effort going forward.
Two goals were also scored in the second half - one each on both sidesJust as the Selecao appeared to be about to seize control, Italy struck: Baralla fired a stunning shot into the right corner from 18 meters (59'). Portugal, however, came back again, thanks to substitute Soares's second stab: the Benfica player was on hand to parry Mide's clever header into the gap to level the score at 2-2 (67').
After that, nothing more happened in front of goal, so the match went to penalties after 90 minutes. It was the goalkeepers' turn. Italy's Nava saved two attempts, but his Portuguese counterpart Romario Cunha saved three, making him the hero of the evening. Portugal won 4-3 on penalties, taking revenge for last year's final defeat and now has the chance to become European U-17 champions on Sunday (8:30 p.m.) against France.
