Academy starlet Josh Briggs completed the full 90 minutes of Northern Ireland’s 3-0 defeat to Italy at the 2024 UEFA European Under-19 Championship.
Following the tournament hosts’ positive start to their Group A campaign, that yielded a goalless draw against Ukraine at Inver Park, they returned to Larne for a mouth-watering clash against the defending champions.
Briggs retained his place in defence as boss Gareth McAuley made four changes, and after a cagey start, Italy snatched the lead in the 15th minute when AC Milan youngster Kevin Zeroli half-volleyed past goalkeeper Pierce Charles.
15mins to go 🙌 #GAWA #U19EURO pic.twitter.com/Qp5Lk8ntyg
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) July 18, 2024
Northern Ireland might have levelled midway through the first half, when George Goodman’s effort was well saved by Renato Marin, but it was Italy who struck next, just before the break, with Francesco Camarda firing in his side’s second.
A second for Camarda three minutes into the second 45 added gloss to the scoreline for Italy, leaving Northern Ireland bottom of the group after two games, but level on points with third-placed Norway and just one point behind Ukraine in second.
Norway are indeed the Green and White Army’s next opponents, in Belfast at 7pm BST on Sunday 21 July. With progression to the knockout stages of the eight-nation Euros firmly up for grabs, as well as a top-five finish at the tournament, which would secure a place at next year’s FIFA Under-20 World Cup, there is plenty for Northern Ireland still to play for on home soil.
The competition is being broadcast in the UK by BBC Sport, and across Europe by UEFA's rightsholders. To find out where to watch in your country, click HERE.
