First things first: The U-20 World Cup Final was a disappointing show, played in a Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in La Plata whose run-down turf was unworthy of a football game.
Carmine Nunziata’s Italy U-20 lost their chance to win the competition for the first time as they succumbed 0-1 to Uruguay, courtesy of a single strike from Liverpool Montevideo’s forward Luciano Rodriguez. It was a fair outcome for what seen on the pitch, i.e., very little.
Unfortunately, Carmine Nunziata’s Azzurrini experienced their worst start in the tournament so far. Uruguay’s approach was unexpectedly aggressive as the Charrua pegged Italy back in their own half with their high press.
The South Americans had the most dangerous chance during the first period as Anderson Duarte headed the ball into the top left corner of Italy’s goal from a corner kick. However, the Trento goalkeeper Sebastiano Desplanches’ answer was phenomenal and kept Italy afloat.
There was little else to report from the initial 45 minutes, save for multiple fouls and simulation dramas that fragmented the game and offered a show that one would hope not to see already at a U-20 level…
It did not get any better in the second half. The next shot on target only came on 70 minutes, it was a Fabricio Diaz conclusion that was comfortably blocked by Desplanches.
With 10 minutes to go, Matteo Prati was spared his marching orders after a VAR review prompted the referee to change his decision from a direct red to a yellow card for the SPAL midfielder, who had tacked Diaz.
But it was a decision that could only delay the inevitable as Uruguay, who at least had tried something, finally found the back of the net on 86 minutes. It was Luciano Rodriguez to head the ball home at the far post, finalizing a chaotic action in the middle of the Italian box. It took another VAR check before the goal could be allowed but the referee’s decision stood this time.
As Italy launched a full scale attack in the dying minutes of the game, Desplanches saved his side again as he blocked a five-man counterattack to prevent Uruguay from scoring a second one.
It ended with La Celeste lifting the trophy, while Italy’s consolation prize was Chelsea talent Cesare Casadei winning the Golden Boot as the tournament top-scorer.
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