U23s, Idele and Riccio reach U20 World Cup RO16 with Italy
No-stakes loss to Argentina
The U20s World Cup Group Stage wrapped up overnight in Chile. In Valparaíso, the Azzurrini faced Argentina in their final group match, failing 1-0 but booking a spot in the Round of 16 thanks to a second-place finish in the group with 4 points. Atalanta U23s' Idele and Riccio were both in the starting XI, their first time in the tournament lining up together from the first minute.
Having secured their place in the Round of 16, set for Thursday, October 9 (16:30 local time / 21:30 CEST Italian time) at the “El Teniente” stadium in Rancagua, the Azzurrini now await confirmation of their opponent. The final spot will be decided by the results of the last group matches on Sunday, October 5. Italy will face the winner of Group E, currently topped by the United States with a perfect record, followed by France and South Africa on 3 points each, and New Caledonia yet to score.
Fixtures and Outcomes
Group Stage
- September 28 in Valparaíso: Italy 1-0 Australia | Riccio played the opening 78 minutes, while Idele was an unused sub
- October 1 in Valparaíso: Italy 2-2 Cuba | A starter for the Azzurrini, Idele played the whole game while Riccio was subbed in on 78 minutes
- October 5 in Valparaíso: Argentina 1-0 Italy | Idele played the whole match, while Riccio was subbed off on 68 minutes
Round of 16
- October 9 in Rancagua against the winner of Group E (21:30 CEST Italian time)