Tunisia U21 saw off Italy U18 3-1 in the Mediterranean Games semi-finals on Thursday in a match that highlighted the gap between youth sides at this level. The hosts had looked comfortable through their opening games but could not contain the visitors once the visitors found their rhythm.
And here's the thing — Italy's recent results showed a side capable of both brilliance and fragility. They beat Kosovo 3-0 two days ago, then lost to Algeria 3-1, followed by a draw with Albania. That inconsistency came back to haunt them when it mattered most.
Tunisia arrived in better form. They had beaten Turkey 2-1 and Morocco 1-0 in their previous two matches, then held Northern Macedonia to a goalless draw. The visitors showed they could grind out results when needed, which proved decisive in the semi-final.
Italy started brightly, as they often do, but Tunisia's defence held firm. The visitors took control when they needed to, scoring at crucial moments. By then the match had shifted, and Italy were chasing rather than leading.
The result means Tunisia progress to the final, while Italy's campaign ends. They had nothing to lose going into this match, but losing to a side two age groups above them carries a different weight. To be fair, Tunisia have been the more consistent side throughout.