Chile U17 1-2 Italy U18: Late Winner Settles International Friendly

Italy U18 defeated Chile U17 2-1 in an international friendly on 26 September 2026, scoring late to decide a match that showcased two different youth development styles. Chile U17 brought quick combinations, high pressing and technical midfield play, while Italy U18 leaned on organisation, physical duels and set-piece quality to claim the away victory.

The 18:30 kick-off gave both coaching staffs a valuable opportunity to assess players in a competitive international environment. With no league points at stake, the friendly was about preparation, squad depth and learning how young players respond to unfamiliar opposition.

Match Overview

Italy U18 started the brighter of the two sides, pressing Chile U17’s build-up and forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. The early pressure paid off when Italy took the lead inside the opening quarter of an hour. Chile U17 initially struggled with Italy’s physicality in midfield, but the young South Americans gradually grew into the game as their wide players began to find space.

After half-time, Chile U17 produced their best spell. Their equaliser arrived early in the second period and changed the mood of the match. For a while, Chile looked the more likely side to score again, moving the ball quickly and drawing fouls in advanced positions. But Italy U18 weathered the storm, made impactful substitutions and found the winner in the closing stages.

Key Moments

• 12th minute – Italy U18 take the lead: Matteo Rinaldi punished a loose pass in midfield, driving forward and finishing low into the bottom corner for 1-0.
• 49th minute – Chile U17 equalise: Diego Fuentes received the ball on the left side of the box, cut inside and curled a precise shot beyond the Italy goalkeeper to make it 1-1.
• 78th minute – Italy U18 score the winner: Luca Ferretti rose highest from a right-sided corner and headed home to restore Italy’s lead at 2-1.

Chile U17 pushed for a second equaliser in the final ten minutes and forced two late saves, but Italy U18 defended their penalty area with composure and saw out the friendly victory.

Tactical Story

Chile U17 lined up with an energetic 4-3-3, looking to press Italy U18 high and play through the thirds with short, sharp passes. Their midfield rotations caused problems after the break, and Fuentes’ equaliser was a perfect example of their technical quality in one-on-one situations. The challenge for Chile was turning late territory into clear chances against a physically stronger back line.

Italy U18 used a more compact shape without the ball, often forming a narrow midfield block to protect the centre. Their attacking plan relied on quick transitions, direct runs and set pieces. The one-year age difference between the two squads was noticeable in aerial duels, and it was fitting that the winning goal came from a corner. Italy’s bench also made a difference, adding fresh legs in the final twenty minutes when the game became stretched.

Standout Players

Diego Fuentes was Chile U17’s most dangerous player, combining close control with an ability to drift into central areas. Goalkeeper Vicente Soto made several important stops, including a strong late save to keep the deficit at one. In midfield, captain Benjamín Rojas kept Chile ticking with intelligent passing and leadership.

For Italy U18, Matteo Rinaldi set the tone with his early goal and relentless running. Luca Ferretti delivered the decisive moment with his headed winner, while centre-back Alessandro Conti produced a commanding defensive display. Substitute goalkeeper Filippo Greco also contributed with two late saves as Chile pressed for an equaliser.

What the Friendly Teaches Both Sides

For Chile U17, the match was a useful test against a European side with a different physical profile. The equaliser and the late pressure showed that the team can adapt within a game, but the defeat also highlighted the need for greater composure in both boxes. Those lessons are valuable in youth international football, where results matter less than long-term player development.

Italy U18 will take confidence from winning a friendly away from home against a technically gifted opponent. The performance was not perfect, especially during Chile’s strong second-half spell, but the ability to respond with a set-piece goal demonstrated maturity. The head-to-head meeting gives Italy’s coaching staff a clear reference point as the squad continues its international cycle.

Looking Ahead

Both teams will return to their respective development pathways with plenty of video material to review. Chile U17 will focus on turning possession into more clear-cut chances, while Italy U18 will look to build on the defensive resilience and s