Kolkata: Italy booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after defeating the Chinese side 5–4 on penalties following a 1–1 draw after extra time in the Round of 16 at ArcelorMittal Park in Sosnowiec, Poland on 16 September. The result means Italy continue their historic campaign as one of the last eight teams remaining in the competition.
Italy took an early lead in the 35th minute through Karen Appiah Amoakoah. The Azzurrine continued to threaten but China PR kept coming forward in search of an equaliser.
China PR eventually found a way through on the hour, with Italy goalkeeper Elena Belli scoring into her own team’s net. The goal gave China PR a 1–1 draw and sent the match into extra time.
The scores were locked at 1–1 for the entire extra period, before Italy edged past their opponents on penalties to book their spot in the next round. Italy will now take on Korea Republic in the quarter-finals on 19 September after a thrilling encounter in Sosnowiec.
Italy had topped Group D with seven points from their three fixtures, finishing two points above Japan. They began their group campaign with a 2–1 win against the USA before overcoming New Zealand 3–0, and finishing with a 1–1 draw against Japan.
China PR also progressed from the group stage after finishing third in Group F. They began their campaign with a 5–0 win against New Caledonia before drawing 0–0 with Nigeria, and losing 3–1 to Spain. China PR had four points from their three fixtures, enough to see them through to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.
Italy will now take on Korea Republic in the quarter-finals on 19 September. Korea Republic booked their place in the last eight after overcoming Argentina 1–0 in the Round of 16.
