Italy U19 lose to Sweden but secure 2027 Group A place
The 50-21 defeat in Stockholm did not change Italy’s first place in the Under-19 qualifying group.
Italy’s Under-19 tackle team closed its European Championship qualifying round robin with a 50-21 loss to Sweden in Stockholm on 19 September 2026, according to the Italian Federation of American Football (FIDAF).
The result did not affect the group outcome: Italy had already mathematically secured first place in Group B and a place in Group A for the 2027 European Championship, which will determine the continental champion.
Italy started strongly
The Italian side took the lead on its opening drive when quarterback Sergio Marzullo connected with Simone Cavallo for a 77-yard touchdown pass. Filippo Neri added the conversion for a 7-0 lead.
Sweden responded with two long touchdown receptions by Zackary Stolpe. After an Italian defensive stop, Marzullo found Pietro Vicenzi for another touchdown, putting Italy ahead 14-13 at the end of the first quarter.
Italy extended its advantage in the second period. Cavallo helped move the attack downfield, Marzullo advanced it to the one-yard line, and Riccardo Brancaleoni scored on a run. Neri’s conversion made it 21-13.
Sweden takes control after halftime
Sweden narrowed the gap before halftime and then moved ahead after recovering an Italian fumble. A late touchdown pass from Oscar Carlsson and a successful two-point conversion sent the teams into the break with Sweden leading 28-21.
Sweden added to its advantage in the second half. An Italian interception by Luca Guerini was negated by a defensive pass-interference penalty, and the hosts scored on the drive. A later interception ended an Italian possession that had reached near the red zone.
Sweden scored twice more to complete the 50-21 result. Italy continued to look for plays downfield, with FIDAF noting several receptions by Etile Jean Philippe Amon.
Qualification already secured
FIDAF reported that Italy fielded a young, substantially renewed squad. Several players from the team that beat Israel in May had gone to the United States for study, and head coach Giorgio Longhi used the final international fixture to give younger players experience.
Cavallo, a 2008-born wide receiver with Seamen Milano, received Italy’s MVP award. His performance included the opening 77-yard touchdown reception.
The loss closed Italy’s round robin but did not alter its qualification: the team had already earned first place in Group B and a place in Group A of the 2027 European Championship.
Редакция
Source: Italian Federation of American Football (FIDAF), report published at fidaf.org.
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Официальный источник · 19/09/2026 12:00
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