Under-18 Championship Semifinals Set: Inter vs. Torino and Roma vs. Bologna

The final stages of the SGS TIM National Youth Championships are upon us, with the Under-18 Professionisti Championship entering its knockout phase. Two compelling semifinals are scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 11th, in Emilia-Romagna, as four of Italy’s top youth teams battle for the national crown.

Inter Milan will face defending champions Torino in the opening match, while AS Roma will go head-to-head with Bologna FC in the second semifinal. Both games will be broadcast live on Sky Sport and streamed on Vivo Azzurro TV.

Inter’s Dominant Run

Inter Milan, coached by Simone Fautario, enters the semifinals as the top seed from the group stage. They finished with an impressive 81 points, securing 25 wins, 6 draws, and only 5 losses. The Nerazzurri boasted the league’s best attack with 92 goals scored and the strongest defense, conceding just 44. This dominant performance allowed them direct passage to the semifinals.

Fautario highlighted the team’s collective effort and character, stating, “The lads, despite some predictable difficulties encountered this year, have managed to have a great regular season. All members of the squad were involved, demonstrating the technical and character qualities of each one of them. My wish for them is to enjoy the day tomorrow: they know they will need a team effort, and I am sure they will play a great game.”

Torino’s Championship Defense

Opposing Inter will be Michele Vegliato’s Torino side, the reigning champions who are determined to retain their title. Last year’s final saw Torino defeat Roma in a closely contested match. Torino secured their spot in the final four after finishing fourth in their group with 61 points and then convincingly defeating Cesena 3-0 in the play-offs.

“We arrive at the final stage after an intense season full of challenges against high-level opponents,” said Vegliato. “Now we are solely focused on the semifinal with Inter. The team is doing well, both mentally and physically, and will approach this match with the same team spirit that has brought us this far.”

Roma’s Offensive Prowess

AS Roma, managed by Mattia Scala, earned their semifinal berth by finishing second in their group, just behind Inter. The Giallorossi accumulated 74 points from 21 wins, 11 draws, and only 4 defeats. Roma has consistently demonstrated a strong attacking game throughout the season, scoring 88 goals and showing continuous growth.

“The team arrives calm at this semifinal,” commented Scala, who also led Roma to an Under-15 championship win in 2024. “They are aware of the journey they have made and are eager to play this game. I have seen in their eyes this week all the values we have instilled in them, and I am sure they will deliver a great performance with courage and intensity, as they have done all season.”

Bologna’s Playoff Triumph

Bologna FC, under the guidance of Luigi Della Rocca, secured their place in the semifinals after a strong regular season where they finished third with 67 points. They then overcame Atalanta 3-2 in a thrilling playoff match to reach the final four.

“We are feeling good,” admitted the Bologna coach. “The playoff gave us…” (The provided source text was truncated here, but it indicates Bologna’s confidence.)

Key facts

The stakes are high as these four clubs aim to lift the Under-18 Professionisti Championship trophy, with the winners advancing to the final and the chance to be crowned national champions.

Source: FIGC – https://www.figc.it/it/giovani/news/under-18-professionisti-tutto-pronto-per-le-semifinali-inter-torino-e-roma-bologna-qwe2ul79