Saturday, September 19
Sweden vs Italy: Bergshamra IP, Solna, 2pm CET
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Italy (1-0) can clinch Group B in the 2026/27 IFAF U19 European Tackle Football Championships by beating Sweden (0-1) in Solna (kickoff 2pm CET) though a loss will force tiebreakers to decide a three-way tie with Israel (1-1) then back in the picture.
Israel took an unexpected 21-14 advantage into halftime when they met Italy in Firenze in May and not until late in the fourth quarter did the hosts score the winning touchdown to triumph 32-28.
“We are really looking forward to the challenge of facing Italy on home soil,” said Sweden head coach Andreas Ehrenreich. “Italy consistently produces strong teams at both junior and senior level, and from my previous experience we know that they will provide us with a very tough test.
“We have an exciting Swedish team, relatively young, with many players who have a bright future ahead of them. For us, this game is an important opportunity to compete internationally, test ourselves against quality opposition and continue building for the future.
“Our goal is to play a physical, disciplined and fair game, represent Sweden in the best possible way, and give Italy a great contest. Hopefully, we can do that in front of an enthusiastic home crowd on Saturday.”
Italy head coach Giorgio Longhi said: “We are taking a squad to Sweden that is significantly revamped compared to the one that defeated Israel. Some of our top players have moved to the U.S. to continue their careers—something we are always happy about, as it is one of our key objectives—while at the same time, we are able to integrate new players who will be with us for at least another two seasons.
“Italy is set to face the top seed in the qualifying group, which makes it clear who the favorite is, but we are thoroughly prepared.
“These matches are always highly educational for the players, giving them the chance to meet their counterparts from other teams in person and exchange information on how football preparation differs around the world.”
Group B
Italy 1-0
Israel 1-1
Sweden 0-1
April 4
Israel 1 Sweden 0 (Sweden forfeit)
May 10
Italy 32 Israel 28
March 27/28/29
Group 1-3: C1 vs A1
Group 4-6: A2 vs C2
Group 7-10: SF1 / SF2
May 8/9
Group 1-3: B1 vs C1
Group 4-6: B2 vs A2
September 18/19
Group 1-3: A1 vs B1
Group 4-6: C2 vs B2
Group 7-10: 7th-8th Place / 9th-10th Place
Photo: FIDAF
