It was a disappointing start for Fabio Miretti's Italian Under-21 side at the European Championships, currently taking place in Georgia and Romania.
In Cluj-Napoca, the Azzurrini were narrowly defeated 2-1 by France, who thus joined Switzerland - victorious by the same margin over Norway - at the top of Group D.
The match was a tight affair, with France taking the lead in the 22nd minute through Arnaud Kalimuendo before Pietro Pellegri levelled matters with ten minutes to go in the first half. Bradley Barcola strike in the 62nd minute proved to be decisive, earning the French all three points at full-time.
Fabio Miretti featured as a second-half substitute, coming on for Nicolò Rovella in the 75th minute.
Italy's upcoming fixtures against Switzerland and Norway will now be decisive for Paolo Nicolato's team to advance in the competition.
THE AZZURRINI'S UPCOMING FIXTURES
- Switzerland-Italy: Sunday 25 June 2023, 18:00 CEST, Cluj Arena (Cluj-Napoca)
- Italy-Norway: Wednesday 28 June 2023, 20:45 CEST, Cluj Arena (Cluj-Napoca)