Italy U17 secured their third consecutive win at the FIFA U17 World Cup, beating Cuba U17 3-0 on Saturday. The result keeps them in contention for a place in the knockout stages after three group matches.
Italy have now accumulated nine points from three victories, sitting third in the standings. Cuba remain at the bottom of their group with zero points from three defeats, having lost to India and Romania in previous outings.
The visitors showed the same pattern that has plagued them so far. Cuba were beaten 3-0 by Romania on Wednesday and 3-0 by India on Monday. Italy, meanwhile, had won 3-1 against India and 3-0 against Romania before this match.
By then it was clear Italy were the stronger side. Three clean sheets in three games suggests a defence that has not been troubled, while the attacking output has been consistent. To be fair, Cuba have yet to register a single point or goal in this tournament.
Italy's position means they are likely to finish in the top three of their group. Cuba's situation is more complicated — they need a miracle to progress, and even then they would need other results to go their way.