Under 18 men: Sensational first-half display destroys Italy

Ferenc Bene’s Hungary Under-18 side began their year with 5-0 and 3-0 victories away to Armenia and continued their preparations for this autumn’s 2020 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifiers by taking on Italy at Telki. The visitors promised to be tough opponents, having performed fantastically in last season’s Under-17 championship in making it all the way to the final before losing out to the Netherlands on penalties.

Hungary began strongly, Alen Skribek hitting the woodwork in the 16th minute and Kristóf Tóth-Gábor forcing the Italian goalkeeper into action eight minutes later. The deadlock was eventually broken in the 26th minute, Tóth-Gábor firing home after being set up by Skribek following a free kick.

Hungary had to withstand some dangerous moments thereafter but doubled their lead in the 34th minute as Skribek centred for Csaba Bukta to score with a sublime finish from 18 yards out. By 36 minutes is was three; Dominik Cipf hitting the woodwork and Tóth-Gábor stroking the rebound home, and Italy’s pain was compounded in the 39th as Patrik Nyári’s corner was headed home by Cipf. Tóth-Gábor even had a chance to make it five just before half-time, but Hungary had to settle for going in at the break with a 4-0 lead.

Italy made five changes for the second half in attempt to reduce the deficit, and almost did in the 51st minute, only for Ágoston Kiss to save the penalty which the visitors had been awarded. Play was more even in the second period, the tempo dropping as the match reached its conclusion, Hungary never in any real danger of being pegged back by an Italy side which often resorted to the physical side of the game in an attempt to thwart Hungary’s pacey wing play.

“We were prepared for Italy’s game plan; we knew that we’d have to defend in numbers and keep our composure under pressure. I was certain that we possessed enough quality in attack to pose Italy problems, and this proved to be the case. Hats off to the players; they showed what they are capable of if they have a winning mentality. This victory can give us much confidence as we move ahead” said head coach Ferenc Bene after the match.

Hungary 4-0 Italy (HT: 4-0)
Hungary: Ágoston Kiss - András Huszti (Benjámin Lakatos, 89’), Kornél Szűcs, Benedek Varju (Marcell Farkas, 89’), Kalmár Olivér (Kevin Körmendi, 89’) - Patrik Nyári, Bence Máté Kocsis (Bálint Szabó, 82’) - Alen Skribek (Sándor Hidi, 72.), Dominik Cipf (Máté Kovács, 46’), Csaba Bukta (Gergely Kapronczai, 82’) - Kristóf Tóth-Gábor (Péter Beke, 72’)