A controversial match was played in the early hours of Friday morning (23rd) in the first round of Group D action in the U21 Europa League. Italy U21, one of the favorites to win the tournament, wiped the floor with France U21 in a 1-2 loss. The loss was certainly unjust for Italy U21. In stoppage time, they had a "breakaway" goal, but the referee failed to notice that the ball had crossed the white line. In the absence of VAR and goal line technology, the U21's goal was "erased" and ended in tragedy.
While Italy U21 has national team players like Sindo Donnelly in their ranks, France U21 also has a host of players who make a living in Italy's Serie A, such as Pierre Carruthers. France U21 took the lead in the 22nd minute with a goal by Cali Muendo. In the 36th minute, Piatuperlicki converted a Sindo Donnelly penalty kick to make it 1-1, and in the second half, France U21 struck again in the 62nd minute, with a goal by Bargona to make it 2-1. In the crucial extra time, Italy U21's keeper Binalua hit the post with a header, which was blocked by the body of France's defender Bailleulnay. Replays showed that the ball had clearly crossed the white line, but the referee did not rule the goal valid.
