When the curtain rises on the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, few fixtures promise as much intrigue and intensity as the showdown between Italy and Nigeria.
It is a meeting of contrasts — Europe’s precision against Africa’s passion — and a test of two young teams driven by the same ambition: survival and statement.
Two roads, one arena
Italy arrived in Rabat on the back of a flawless group-stage campaign that saw them finish top of Group A after sweeping aside Costa Rica (3–0), hosts Morocco (3–1), and Brazil (4–3).
Efficient, elegant, and well-drilled, the Azzurrine have impressed with their tactical balance, patience in possession, and deadly finishing.
On the other hand, Nigeria had to fight back into contention after a turbulent start.
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