Italy’s Francesco Camarda has been named Player of the Tournament for the 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, Soccernet.football reports.
The AC Milan forward played a key role in Italy’s success, scoring twice in the final as Italy defeated Portugal 3-0 in Limassol. This victory marks Italy’s first Under-17 title.
Camarda, who made history in November by becoming the youngest Serie A player at 15 years and 260 days, impressed throughout the tournament. He scored in group-stage matches against Slovakia and Sweden and converted the winning penalty in the quarter-final shoot-out against England.
In the final, Camarda’s two goals helped secure Italy’s win. Despite finishing one goal behind Portugal’s Rodrigo Mora as the tournament’s top scorer, Camarda’s overall performance earned him the Player of the Tournament accolade.
Reflecting on the award win, Camarda said: “It is super emotional for me. I’d like to dedicate it to my parents, my family, all the people who love me, and my team – I would’ve never won it if it wasn’t for them.”
Italy coach Massimiliano Favo praised Camarda, saying: “Camarda is a well-known player because he has already played in Serie A. He scores and works for the team. In this team, there are many good players who I hope can write the history of the Champions League in the future.”
Italy’s win ended their wait for a junior title since the inaugural U16 EURO in 1982. The 2024 tournament is the last to feature 16 teams; from next season, the format will change to an eight-nation final as part of a new system leading to an annual 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The AC Milan forward played a key role in Italy’s success, scoring twice in the final as Italy defeated Portugal 3-0 in Limassol. This victory marks Italy’s first Under-17 title.
Camarda, who made history in November by becoming the youngest Serie A player at 15 years and 260 days, impressed throughout the tournament. He scored in group-stage matches against Slovakia and Sweden and converted the winning penalty in the quarter-final shoot-out against England.
In the final, Camarda’s two goals helped secure Italy’s win. Despite finishing one goal behind Portugal’s Rodrigo Mora as the tournament’s top scorer, Camarda’s overall performance earned him the Player of the Tournament accolade.
Reflecting on the award win, Camarda said: “It is super emotional for me. I’d like to dedicate it to my parents, my family, all the people who love me, and my team – I would’ve never won it if it wasn’t for them.”
Italy coach Massimiliano Favo praised Camarda, saying: “Camarda is a well-known player because he has already played in Serie A. He scores and works for the team. In this team, there are many good players who I hope can write the history of the Champions League in the future.”
Italy’s win ended their wait for a junior title since the inaugural U16 EURO in 1982. The 2024 tournament is the last to feature 16 teams; from next season, the format will change to an eight-nation final as part of a new system leading to an annual 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Source:
UEFA
