Morocco U20 beat Italy 4-1 to win bronze at Mediterranean Games

Morocco’s U20 side claimed the bronze medal at the 2026 Mediterranean Games after beating hosts Italy 4-1 in the third-place play-off in Taranto on Sunday.

The Atlas Cubs produced an impressive display to secure a place on the podium, scoring four times against the hosts in a dominant performance.

Mohamed Monsef put Morocco ahead after just 10 minutes, taking advantage of a defensive mistake following a well-worked attacking move.

Morocco controlled much of the first half and created several opportunities to extend their lead, but poor finishing in the final third meant they went into the break only one goal ahead.

Morocco strike twice after the break

The North Africans increased their advantage immediately after the restart.

Abdelali Daoudi made it 2-0 in the 46th minute following a well-organised attack down the right, with Hamza Bouhdi providing the assist.

Morocco added a third only four minutes later.

Karim Saadi found the net in the 50th minute to put the Atlas Cubs firmly in control and leave Italy facing a major challenge to get back into the contest.

The hosts responded in the 60th minute when substitute Giamattiell capitalised on a defensive mistake to reduce the deficit to 3-1.

Saadi completes Morocco’s scoring

Italy’s goal briefly offered the hosts hope, but Morocco quickly regained control of the match.

Saadi restored the three-goal advantage in the 75th minute, completing his brace with an impressive long-range strike from around 20 metres.

Italy pushed forward in search of another goal during the closing stages, but Morocco remained organised and defended their advantage until the final whistle.

Bronze medal caps strong campaign

The 4-1 victory secured Morocco’s place on the Mediterranean Games podium and gave the Atlas Cubs a convincing finish to their tournament.

Beating the host nation in the bronze-medal match also underlined Morocco’s strong performance at the competition, with their U20 side ending their campaign with a comprehensive victory on Italian soil.