Italy’s Under-21 team achieved a commanding 4-0 victory over North Macedonia in their European Championship qualifier. Goals were scored by Cher Ndour, Luca Lipani, and Jeff Ekhator, with Seydou Fini sealing the win from the penalty spot.
This dominant performance marked the Azzurrini’s sixth win in seven group-stage matches, with their only defeat coming away to Poland. The squad faced some challenges, as Marco Palestra and Niccolò Pisilli had been called up to the senior team, and Francesco Camarda was sidelined due to injury. However, the team welcomed Honest Ahanor for his first call-up just days after turning 18, making him eligible for selection.
The Italian side wasted no time in breaking the deadlock. Within minutes of the start, Davide Bartesaghi delivered an accurate cross from the flank, which Fiorentina midfielder Cher Ndour powerfully headed into the net.
Luca Lipani was unlucky not to extend Italy’s lead in the 13th minute when his angled drive, set up by Luigi Cherubini, struck the inside of the far post. Later, Jeff Ekhator’s back-heel flick was crucially deflected from close range, and Lipani hit the woodwork for a second time, this time with a header that rattled the crossbar.
Italy finally doubled their advantage immediately after the restart. It was third time lucky for Lipani, whose shot from outside the penalty area curled into the far bottom corner off the inside of his right boot.
The hosts quickly added a third goal moments later. Jeff Ekhator connected with a Dagasso assist delivered from the right flank, turning it in at the near post. Although it may have been marginally offside, the goal stood as there was no VAR in use at this stage of the competition.
Luca Koleosho embarked on a brilliant solo run, but his resulting shot was blocked. Cher Ndour also had an effort that was parried away on the goal line.
Seydou Fini initially appeared to be fouled inside the penalty area, but the referee waved play on in the absence of VAR. However, officials later spotted another foul on Fini by Hamza, leading to a late penalty award. Fini stepped up confidently to convert the spot-kick himself, completing a comprehensive 4-0 victory for Italy.
Match Summary: Italy 4-0 North Macedonia
Goals: Ndour 3′ (I), Lipani 49′ (I), Ekhator 50′ (I), Fini pen 86′ (I)
Italy U21 Lineup:
Palmisani; Favasuli (Kayode 46′), Comuzzo, Chiarodia, Bartesaghi; Ndour, Lipani (Venturino 58′), Dagasso; Cherubini (Fini 58′), Ekhator (Raimondo 82′), Koleosho (Cacciamani 74′)
North Macedonia U21 Lineup:
Ljupke; Arizankoski, Meliqi, Djekov, Hamza; Angelov (Latifi 69′), Maslarov (Sofijanoski 58′); Danev (Stojanov 84′), Durakov (Gjorgievski 58′), Trajkov, Gashtarov