Edoardo Biondini captained Italy Under-17 to the European title with a penalty shootout win over Belgium, the Empoli midfielder describing a journey filled with pressure, unity and a determination to represent the country well.
The final at the Lilleküla Stadium in Tallinn finished 1-1 after normal time before Italy triumphed 4-3 on penalties, claiming the UEFA Under-17 European Championship for the second time in three years. Italy had also reached the semi-finals in 2024 and 2025.
Speaking to La Nazione upon his return to Italy, Biondini — born on January 1, 2009, in Gualdo Cattaneo in Umbria — reflected on a campaign that tested the squad to its limits.
"The journey has been beautiful and at the same time complicated, especially in the qualifications. We received a lot of pressure, but we came together and rose to achieve this incredibly important goal."
The 17-year-old moved from Perugia to Empoli's youth academy and described the transfer as formative.
"A change that also opened me up to international football, so I owe a lot to Empoli who believed in me when there weren't many big clubs around. I am grateful to this club."
Asked about his next ambitions, Biondini was direct.
"I want to continue on a clear path and move into the professional world. Then in November I'm thinking about the Under-17 World Cup — that's also an objective."
When asked which player he models his game on, he pointed to a figure who has played the same position at the highest level.
"At Italian level, I really like the way Sandro Tonali plays."
Italy head coach Daniele Franceschini, speaking to UEFA immediately after the final, described his squad's achievement in emotional terms.
"It is an indescribable emotion. These lads have done something exceptional. They gave everything they had. Winning games like this and finals like this isn't just about technical details and tactics, it's about playing with heart, and the lads demonstrated that they have plenty of that."
Biondini made ten appearances across the tournament, scoring twice, and wore the captain's armband throughout.
For Empoli, the result represents a significant moment in their development programme. Three players from their youth academy — Biondini, Jacopo Landi and Diego Perillo — were part of the squad. Perillo finished as the tournament's joint-top scorer with seven goals.
Italy's youth football programme has now produced back-to-back Under-17 European finalists. Biondini will hope to build on that platform in November when the Under-17 World Cup provides the next test.
The armband suited him. The bigger stages will follow.