Pisilli’s Brilliance Powers Unbeaten Italy U21 to 4-0 Rout of Sweden, Cements Top Spot in Euro Qualifying
On a brisk October evening in Cesena, Italy’s rising generation unveiled a statement of intent. At Orogel Stadium - Dino Manuzzi, the Azzurrini brushed aside Sweden U21 in a powerful 4-0 display, tightening their grip on top spot in UEFA U21 Championship qualification and sending another clear message about their continental ambitions.
Niccolò Pisilli, the Roma midfielder whose poise belies his years, led the Italian charge. By the 12th minute, Pisilli had already left his imprint, bending a clinical finish past a stranded Swedish keeper to ignite the home crowd. Pisilli would find the net again just before halftime, bracketing a first half that showcased all of Italy’s evolution under manager Paolo Nicolato: energy, technical nous, and an unflinching sense of purpose in the final third.
Between Pisilli’s goals, a moment of controversy added drama—and cemented the edge on the scoreline. Swedish center-back Filip Andersson clipped Francesco Camarda in the box on 40 minutes, and the 17-year-old Milan striker kept his cool from the spot, sweeping home Italy’s second. Camarda’s technique matched his nerve, the ball sent authoritatively to the left as Vilgot Svedberg dived the other way. Pisilli’s second, coming just five minutes later, capped a flowing move and left Sweden chasing shadows as the Azzurrini carried a commanding three-goal lead into the dressing room.
For Sweden, coming off a 0-2 defeat against Montenegro and fighting to stay in the playoff conversation, the opening exchanges offered little comfort. Their high defensive line was repeatedly exposed by Italy’s movement, and the early deficit seemed to sap both composure and belief. Forwards Jonah Kusi-Asare and Roony Bardghji—heroes of Sweden’s September win over Armenia—were starved of service and space.
Italy, conversely, looked every bit the team that has surged through Group A without defeat. The Azzurrini entered the night first in the standings, boasting 24 points from ten matches (seven wins, three draws, and not a single loss). Their recent run bore the hallmarks of a side both comfortable and relentless: a gritty 1-0 away win in North Macedonia, a 2-1 home triumph over Montenegro, and now, against Sweden, a further dissemination of their depth and discipline.
The second half saw Sweden attempt to wrest back some measure of control. Coach Poya Asbaghi’s tactical tweaks—dropping midfielder Hugo Larsson deeper and urging Bardghji to drift inside—momentarily stemmed Italy’s tide, but true chances were rare. The Azzurrini’s back line, marshaled by Gabriele Guarino and captain Giorgio Scalvini, never wavered.
When the fourth goal arrived, it came as confirmation rather than surprise. In the dying seconds, substitute Alexander Isaksson’s clumsy challenge on Camarda yielded a second Italian penalty. Tommaso Berti, the Cesena native greeted warmly by his own crowd, coolly dispatched the spot kick, sending the home supporters into yet another round of celebration.
Absent from the scoreline were any red cards or wild moments of indiscipline. Italy’s command was total, disciplined, and ultimately overwhelming.
This latest result not only extends Italy U21’s unbeaten streak but now all but assures their direct qualification for June’s championship. With 24 points and just a handful of fixtures left, Nicolato’s team can look ahead with cautious confidence. The group’s chasing pack—including Montenegro and Sweden—now face a scramble for playoff positions, with this defeat dealing Sweden a severe blow. Their earlier 3-0 dispatch of Armenia at home showed what this Swedish group is capable of when confidence is high, but in Cesena, the difference in class and preparation was on full display.
Recent head-to-head history has also told a similar story. Italy’s youngsters have repeatedly managed to edge these encounters, mixing tactical acumen with moments of individual brilliance. Tonight, the combination proved decisive once more.
As the autumn nights grow longer and the stakes continue to rise, Italy U21’s blend of youth, balance, and ambition is emerging as one of European football’s stand-out narratives. For Sweden, the path grows steeper, the margin for error thinner. The group’s climax promises intensity and drama—Italy’s fans, at least, can now afford to dream further.