2026 Mediterranean Games | Casagrande scores again in Italy's victory over Kosovo

Taranto – A sensational feat for Italy Under 18 at the Mediterranean Games: a 3-0 victory over Kosovo secures qualification for the tournament’s semi-finals.

In front of 16,500 fans at the Stadio Iacovone in Taranto yesterday evening, Wednesday, August 26, Italy and Kosovo faced off in the final group stage match of the 20th edition of the Mediterranean Games.

The fate of Daniele Franceschini’s side seemed sealed following a 3-1 defeat to Algeria, which had left the Azzurrini sitting third in the group with just a single point. To reach the semi-finals, they not only needed to beat Kosovo by a wide goal margin, but also rely on a defeat for second-placed Albania (on 4 points) against group leaders Algeria.

The Azzurrini came out firing, with Giammattei opening the scoring in the 30th minute to take the lead into the break. In the second half, Italy threatened repeatedly and, spurred on by the incredible home crowd, began to believe in the comeback.

In the 74th minute, a penalty was awarded to the Azzurrini: Tommaso Casagrande stepped up to the spot. The Hellas Verona academy product made no mistake from 12 yards, fueling Italy’s hopes of finding the crucial third goal over the remaining 15 minutes.

Franceschini’s boys poured forward into the opposition half in search of that third strike. In the 6th minute of stoppage time, Perillo made it 3-0 and seals the qualification, aided by Albania's loss to Algeria.

Italy thus advance to the semi-finals of the 20th Mediterranean Games, which will take place once again at the Stadio Iacovone in Taranto on Friday, August 28, at 10:30 AM. Standing in the Azzurrini’s way will be Tunisia, the winners of Group A.