UEFA European Under-17 Championship – Group B
Date: June 1, 2026
Venue: Kalevi Keskstaadion Stadium, Estonia
Result: Italy 3-3 Denmark
Goals: Mikkel Bro Hansen (13′), Edoardo Biondini (23′), Lorenzo Dattilo (41′), Andrea Donato (44′), Tobias Ekstrand (57′), Omran Khatar (90’+)
Implication: Italy advance as 1st in Group B and will now play in the Semi-Final against Spain with Denmark finishing 3rd in Group B and knocked out of the competition
Italy entered the match having already positioned themselves strongly within the group, while Denmark required a positive result to keep their qualification hopes alive. The tactical battle featured two contrasting systems, with Denmark operating from a 4-3-3 under coach Morten Corlin and Italy utilizing a narrow 4-3-1-2 under Daniele Franceschini. Denmark’s roster was heavily concentrated within the country’s top academy systems, particularly FC Copenhagen, Brøndby IF and FC Midtjylland. Meanwhile, Italy’s squad was composed almost entirely of players competing within elite professional academies such as Inter Milan, Atalanta, Roma, Juventus, Empoli, Fiorentina, Lecce, Parma, and Venezia. From an age-profile perspective, both teams were dominated by players born in 2009, though each side included younger prospects born in 2010. Denmark’s Tobias Ekstrand (15) and Italy’s Federico Croci (15) were among the youngest players in the match-day squads.
Denmark’s pressing structure functioned effectively from the outset. Operating in a 4-3-3 shape, they immediately disrupted Italy’s build-up and established control early in the match. Italy responded with a compact 4-3-1-2 press and defensive block designed to force Danish possession centrally, though Denmark consistently found solutions through their circulation and positional rotations by breaking lines with their passes.
Throughout the match, many of Italy’s most dangerous moments originated from quick transitions, particularly through the right side involving striker #9 Diego Perillo.
Denmark’s build-up structure evolved throughout the half. During the build, two holding midfielders acted as pivots while the fullbacks pushed high and wide to stretch Italy’s defensive structure. While within the attacking third, Denmark frequently adjusted shape to create more attacking threats by increasing numbers in dangerous areas.
In the 13th minute Denmark’s dominance was rewarded. Following a short-corner routine, Denmark created a 4v3 overload in the wide area before finding a central player whose effort was deflected into the path of #9 Bro Hansen. Hansen reacted quickest to finish and give Denmark a deserved 1-0 lead.
Denmark continued to enjoy the majority of possession and repeatedly broke lines through Italy’s pressing and defensive structures. Italy’s narrow shape appeared specifically designed to match Denmark’s central attacking threats, but the Danes continued to progress through central areas with relative ease.
Italy’s response came through transitions and set pieces. In the 23rd minute, Italy equalized from an attacking corner. An overhit delivery was not properly cleared by Denmark, allowing midfielder #8 Edoardo Biondini to capitalize on a loose ball near the penalty spot and finish to make it 1-1.
Even after conceding, Denmark maintained dominance in possession. Their build-up patterns remained varied, alternating between traditional 4-3-3 structures, 3-4-3 shapes, midfield rotations into wide areas, and direct balls toward wide attackers to create isolated 1v1 situations. However, despite progressing the ball effectively, Denmark struggled to produce the decisive final pass against Italy’s compact defensive block.
Italy’s second goal arrived in the 41st minute following a classic counterattacking sequence. Possession was regained by Italy centrally in front of the 18 yard box and played in behind for a duel between Italy’s Diego Perillo and Denmark’s #12 Noah Madsen. Jacopo Landi picks up the second ball in a wide area where he then finds support centrally. Biondini initiated the danger with a strike from distance that was parried by the Danish goalkeeper #1 Elias Medina. Francesco Ballarin reacted first to the rebound and delivered a cross toward the far post, where Lorenzo Dattilo headed comfortably into the net from close range.
Italy then extended their advantage just before halftime in the 44th minute, where another set piece proved decisive as Andrea Donato was left unmarked and powered home a free header from a corner kick to make it 3-1.
Denmark had controlled much of the ball and consistently advanced into dangerous areas, but Italy’s efficiency in transition and superiority on set pieces created a two-goal advantage.
Recognizing the mismatches that had developed during the opening half, Denmark made two halftime substitutions. Elias Broberg replaced Mads Jorgensen, while Raphael Canut entered for Xander Poulsen. The changes appeared to be designed to improve Denmark’s defensive matchups after several players had struggled in individual duels. Italy also rotated personnel, introducing Tommaso Casagrande and Federico Corci for Diego Perillo and Marcello Fugazzola.
Unlike the opening stages of the match, Italy began the second half with greater control of possession. Denmark continued to attack through wide overloads, using third-man runs into central areas to generate opportunities around the penalty area however unable to break through the Italian’s defense.
In the 57th minute, Italy attempted to build from the back, where they lost possession in a dangerous area and Denmark immediately punished the mistake. Tobias Ekstrand finished the attack to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
For much of the second half, Denmark continued to find success progressing through Italy’s midfield lines. However, once attacks reached the final third, Italy’s compact defensive organization consistently limited the quality of Denmark’s opportunities. Italy appeared increasingly comfortable defending deeper and protecting their lead. While Denmark enjoyed significant possession but repeatedly encountered difficulties finding solutions against Italy’s defensive structure.
Further substitutions from both benches gradually changed the rhythm of the contest. As fresh players entered, the game became increasingly transitional. Individual players sought to impress and compete for future starting opportunities, creating larger spaces and more open phases of play.
As the match entered stoppage time, Denmark found an equalizer their persistence had arguably deserved. In the 90th minute, Bro Hansen tested the Italian goalkeeper with a powerful effort just outside the 18 yard box. The rebound fell to substitute Elias Broberg, who quickly delivered a cross toward the far post. Omran Khatar attacked the delivery and headed home from close range. The goal mirrored Italy’s second goal earlier in the match, with both teams capitalizing on rebound situations before delivering service to the back post.
Despite the late equalizer, Denmark’s tournament fate had effectively been sealed. The result was not enough to keep their qualification hopes alive and they exit the tournament finishing 3rd in Group B. Italy on the other hand, top Group B and are set to play against Spain in the Semi-Final.
Standout Players throughout the Match:
Marvin Nasnas (Denmark #6) — Late 2009 born defensive central midfielder plays academy football with FC Copenhagen’s U19 squad. Coming up through the ranks of FC Copenhagen’s youth structure, Nasnas has tallied 2438’ minutes across 32 matches in the 2025/2026 season domestically. While internationally, he has accumulated 953’ minutes across 14 matches. Nasnas’s biggest strengths are his ability to dictate tempo, break lines and win individual ground duels. He is represented by Boutique Transfers and Management APS (BTAM) based out of Denmark.
Felix Sommer (Denmark #4) — 2009 born central defender who plays academy football with Randers FC’s U19 squad. Prior to joining and progressing through the ranks of Randers FC youth structure, Sommer played for IF Alliancen’s youth set up. Domestically, Sommer’s has accumulated 1796’ minutes throughout 26 matches while internationally tallying 1108’ minutes across 15 matches all within the 2025/2026 season. Sommer’s strengths are his composure under opposition pressure, ability to secure possession and decision making when looking to play forward. He is represented by Nordic Sky based out of Sweden.
Tobias Baden Ekstrand (Denmark #20) — 2010 born center forward who plays academy football with Brondby IF’s U17 age group. Ekstrand came up through FC Nordsjaelland’s youth set up until moving to Brondby’s youth structure in 2025 with an upcoming move to the U19 squad for the 2026/2027 season. Across 10 domestic matches, Ekstrand tallied 531’ minutes while internationally accumulating 101’ minutes across 3 matches. Ekstrand’s strengths are his willingness to close down space when applying pressure and decision making during transition moments.
Tommaso Casagrande (Italy #19) — 2009 born center forward who plays for Verona’s U20 academy squad. Starting In the US Triestina youth set up, Casagrande moved into Verona’s youth system in 2023. Domestically, he has tallied 1889’ minutes across 44 appearances while internationally he has accumulated 442’ minutes across 9 matches all within the 2025/2026 season. Casagrande’s strengths are his change of pace, power when dribbling and technical ability in 1v1 ground duels.
