Italy pip Belgium to reclaim Under-17 EURO title in Estonia

Italy made it two UEFA European Under-17 Championship titles in three years in 2025/26 as they defeated first-time finalists Belgium in Estonia.

Having beaten Portugal to win their first U17 EURO crown in 2024, Italy were dethroned by the same nation on penalties in the semis a year later. But this time around Italy knocked out holders Portugal in qualifying, topped their group ahead of 2025 runners-up France, defeated Spain on spot kicks in the last four then overcame history-makers Belgium by the same method in the Tallinn decider.

Estonia, making their U17 EURO finals debut as hosts, lost their three games but performed creditably against Spain, Croatia and Belgium. That trio exchanged wins in a tight Group A that went to three-way head-to-head goal difference.

Belgium finished top as they beat Croatia 2-0 and lost 1-0 to Spain. In second were Spain on Matchday 3 losing 3-2 to a late comeback by Croatia, who went out on three-way head-to-head goal difference, though Jakov Dedić's hat-trick was enough for him to ultimately finish top scorer.

Italy beat France 1-0 on Matchday 1 and were to finish top of Group B as they then defeated U17 EURO finals debutants Montenegro 3-0 and drew 3-3 with Denmark. The late comeback for that point was not enough for Denmark as France had beaten them 4-0 and then defeated Montenegro 5-0.

France, though, were to fall in the semis, Belgium's 2-1 win taking them into their nation's first UEFA national team youth championship final. Italy were to join them, defeating Spain 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Belgium looked set for a maiden title when Noa Ojea scored in the 85th minute. But in added time, a Belgium handball gave Marcello Fugazzola the chance to level from the spot, and he was also on target in the shoot-out, with Diego Perillo converting the decisive kick for Italy in a 4-3 win in front of more than 7,000 fans in Tallinn. Spain's Ebrima Tunkara was named Player of the Tournament.