Morocco’s U20s finish Taranto 2026 campaign with four-goal victory over Italy

Morocco’s Under-20 side secured the bronze medal at the XX Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026 after beating Italy 4-1 in the third-place play-off.

The Atlas Lions produced a commanding performance against one of Europe’s major football nations, taking control early and maintaining their authority throughout the match. Their result gave the Moroccan selection a memorable finish to its campaign in Italy and placed them third in the competition.

Morocco made the ideal start when M. Monssef opened the scoring in the ninth minute. The early goal allowed the young Moroccan side to impose its tempo and put Italy under pressure from the opening stages.

Italy were unable to respond before half-time, leaving Morocco with a narrow advantage at the interval. After the break, however, the match quickly moved beyond the Italians’ reach as Morocco scored twice in the space of three minutes.

A. Edaouddi doubled the lead in the 47th minute, just after the restart, before K. Essadi added a third goal in the 50th minute. The quick succession of strikes gave Morocco a commanding position and underlined the strength of their second-half display.

A. Benomar completed the scoring in the 75th minute, confirming a comprehensive 4-1 victory for the Moroccan team. Italy’s only goal was not specified in the source, while Morocco’s four goals ensured they finished the competition with the bronze medal.

The performance marked an impressive conclusion to the journey of Morocco’s Under-20 team at the Mediterranean Games. Having faced Italy in the match for third place, the Atlas Lions delivered their most decisive result of the campaign when a medal was at stake.

The victory also provides further evidence of the depth available in Moroccan youth football. By defeating a respected European opponent by a three-goal margin, the team demonstrated both its attacking quality and its ability to control an important international fixture.

Morocco’s third-place finish means this Under-20 generation leaves Italy with a medal and renewed encouragement for the future of the national game. The bronze represents the reward for a strong showing in Taranto and offers positive signs for the continued development of young Moroccan players.