Italy U20 vs England U20
Riano Athletic Center
2026
Match Report
England U20 threw away a three-goal lead as Italy U20 mounted a stunning second-half comeback to salvage a 3-3 draw in Rome. Thomas Watson had looked the star of the show with a first-half brace, but the Young Lions crumbled after the break in dramatic fashion at the Riano Athletic Centre.
Watson opened the scoring on 15 minutes with a low finish into the bottom corner before nodding home a Kevin Pinto cross in first-half stoppage time. Manchester United's Ayden Heaven headed in a third on 58 minutes to seemingly kill the contest — but Italy had other ideas.
Matteo Lavelli, who had seen a 34th-minute penalty saved by Finlay Herrick, made amends with a curling 20-yard strike on 64 minutes. Giacomo Stabile pulled another back in the 71st, before Dominic Vavasorri completed the fightback with a scrappy backheel finish two minutes from time.
It was a harsh lesson for the Young Lions, who will rue their second-half collapse. For Italy, the late heroics will provide a huge confidence boost heading into their next international window.
Match Events
15'
38'
38'
40'
45+1'
46'
58'
59'
59'
66'
67'
69'
69'
69'
72'
78'
81'
89'
15'
38'
38'
40'
45+1'
58'
66'
67'
69'
69'
69'
72'
78'
81'
89'
Head to Head
2
Italy U20 wins
1
Draws
0
England U20 wins
Goals: 7 - 5
