Italy were eliminated from the U20 World Cup at the hands of USA, who were inspired by a brace of Parma talent Benjamin Cremaschi.
Italy were eliminated from the U20 World Cup Round of 16 on Thursday, losing 3-0 to USA.
Cremaschi’s brace eliminates U20 Italy from World Cup
Parma starlet Cremaschi led the USA victory with a brilliant brace. The 20-year-old broke the deadlock after just 14 minutes, slotting home a rebound from a well-worked corner routine.
Benjamin Cremaschi pounces and the USA lead Italy in the U20 World Cup round of 16! 🇺🇸pic.twitter.com/Kb56GdCFZz
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) October 9, 2025
Niko Tsakiris sent the USA two goals up from a free kick in the second half, and Cremaschi killed off the game in the stoppages.
The Azzurrini were never really dangerous except for two shots that hit the post, by Mattia Mosconi and Cristian Cama, coming from scrappy plays, at the beginning and at the end of the game.
Cremaschi with the icing on the cake to secure the @USYNT‘s spot in the #U20WC Quarterfinals 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/lc0FpiIcnQ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) October 9, 2025
Italy had reached the U20 World Cup Final in the previous edition, losing 1-0 in the 2023 Final against Uruguay.
Italy had qualified for the 2025 U20 World Cup Round of 16 as runners-up, collecting four points in three matches in Group I against Argentina, Australia and Cuba.
Cremaschi, who also holds Italian passport, joined Parma from Inter Miami on loan with an option to buy last summer and has yet to make his Serie A debut.
Serie A helps foreign youngsters more than Italian ones.