Following a crushing defeat on the opening day, hosts Slovakia Under-19s seek to salvage their UEFA Under-19 European Championship campaign against Italy Under-19s on Tuesday.

The teams meet at Trnava's Stadion Antona Malatinskeho, with the Azzurrini aiming for a second straight win after defeating Romania at the weekend.

Match preview

This year's Under-19 Euros got under way on Saturday afternoon, as the pre-tournament favourites France lay in wait for competition hosts Slovakia in the first game of the finals.

Despite hopes of an upset, with home advantage in their favour, the Slovakians were simply brushed aside by their French counterparts, as after Loum Tchaouna struck in the 14th minute, Albert Rusnak's side were already facing an uphill struggle.

On a hot afternoon in Trnava, Slovakia were two down by the break, before ultimately losing 5-0, and have only two games left to salvage their dream of progressing from Group A.

The top two finishers in both groups of this eight-team tournament not only progress to the semi-finals, but also automatically qualify for the 2023 Under-20 World Cup in Indonesia.

Europe's fifth spot is available to the winner of a playoff between the third-placed sides in each group, so in the second of three fixtures within the space of a week, Slovakia must get back on track immediately.

Rusnak's squad are ultimately aiming to surpass their nation's best finish at this level of UEFA competition - third place, back in 2002 - but as they were not required to take part in qualification, their lack of competitive experience could cost them against a buoyant Italy side.

The Azzurrini arrive at the venue of the tournament's final, which is set for July 1, fresh from victory over Romania in the southern town of Dunajska Streda.

Italy eventually took control of events after a goalless first half, as Tommaso Baldanzi's stunning strike early in the second broke the deadlock.

Though their opening day opponents restored parity only six minutes later, substitute Cristian Volpato secured all three points with a 68th-minute winner - just reward for a team that fired in 25 shots on goal, 11 of which were on target.

Over the next fortnight, Carmine Nunziata's boys are aiming to replicate Italy's last triumph in this age group, back in 2003, and if they can see off Slovakia on Tuesday, they will have at least one boot in the final four.

Team News

Despite their heavy defeat last time out, the hosts are likely to persist with a 4-2-3-1 formation in midweek.

Slovakia's squad is predominantly home-based, with most players plying their trade at Fortuna Liga clubs Zilina or Trencin, and captain Timotej Jambor - who represents the former - will again lead the line up front.

Sixteen-year-old winger Leo Sauer is among the competition's youngest participants this year, and after appearing from the bench against France, could be included from the start to rejuvenate a dispirited side.

After replacing fellow goalscorer Tommaso Baldanzi on Saturday, Roma starlet Cristian Volpato will hope for a place in Italy's starting XI, having been the match-winner against Romania.

The Australia-born forward broke into Roma's senior setup towards the end of last season, and could now support Napoli striker Giuseppe Ambrosino up front for his country. Once again, Samuele Giovane, of Atalanta, captains the team from left-back.

Slovakia Under-19s possible starting lineup:
Balaz; Kopasek, Luka, Kosa, Sikula; Oravec, Halabrin; Sauer, Gajdos, Misovic; Jambor

Italy Under-19s possible starting lineup:
Desplanches; Mulazzi, Ghilardi, Coppola, Giovane; Fabbian, Faticanti, Casadei; Volpato, Baldanzi; Ambrosino

We say: Slovakia Under-19s 1-2 Italy Under-19s

Italy have by far the more impressive recent record of these teams, and are set for a second win of the competition, as Slovakia's lack of nous means they are doomed to taste disappointment once more.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Written by
Jonathan O'Shea

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