Armenia’s U21 Youth Team Falls to Italy in EURO 2027 Qualifier

The first half was evenly contested and ended goalless — 0–0. Armenian forward Araik Eloyan had an excellent chance to open the scoring, but his shot went wide. In the 26th minute, Armenia’s goalkeeper Gor Matinyan saved a penalty after a strike by Shera Ndura. This was Matinyan’s second penalty save in the current qualifiers — earlier he stopped a shot by Runi Bardji in the match against Sweden.

In the second half, the host side took clear control of the match. Italy scored five goals: Francesco Camarda netted a brace, while Matteo Dagasso, Seydou Fini, and Jeff Ehator each got on the scoresheet.

Armenia’s sole goal came in the 78th minute, when Urartu forward Edik Vardanyan capitalized on a mistake from the Italian goalkeeper.

It’s worth noting that the Italians finished the game with ten men — Niccolò Fortini was sent off in the 84th minute.

Team line-ups
Armenia U21: Matinyan — Tarloyan, A. Hakobyan, Manukyan, Bandikyan — K. Hovhannisyan (68ʹ, Askaryan), Sargsyan (76ʹ, Aivazyan) — D. Hakobyan (68ʹ, Vardanyan), M. Hakobyan(C), N. Hovhannisyan (68ʹ, Afyan) — Eloyan (57ʹ, Gharibyan).

Italy U21: Palmizani — Palestra (77ʹ, Fortini), Marianucchi (46ʹ, Guarino), Mane, Bartezagi — Pizilli, Lipani (C), N’Dur (46ʹ, Dagasso) — Cherubini (73ʹ, Fini), Coleasho, Camarda (73ʹ, Ehator).

After four rounds, Armenia U21 remain without a point, while Italy U21 top Group E with 12 points — the same as Poland.

Armenia’s youth team will next play on 14 November in Yerevan against Montenegro.