USA vs Italy U20 World Cup Showdown: Live Score, Highlights & How to Watch

Kick-off time, venue and broadcast details The USA vs Italy U-20 World Cup Round of 16 clash kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. PT) on Thursday, 9 October 2025 at Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua, Chile. Fans in the United States can watch live on FS2 or stream via the FOX Sports App, while Universo and Peacock carry Spanish-language coverage. Why this matchup matters The U.S. U-20s swept Group B with three straight wins and no goals conceded, extending their tournament shut-out streak to 360 minutes. Italy U-20 finished second in Group D after edging Australia, drawing Cuba and narrowly falling to Argentina. A quarter-final berth against either Brazil or Senegal awaits the winner, raising the stakes for both youth powerhouses. Projected starting XIs United States (4-3-3): • GK: Diego Kochen • DF: Mauricio Cuevas, Brandan Craig, Jonathan Gómez, Caleb Wiley • MF: Noel Buck, Obed Vargas, Benjamin Cremaschi • FW: Kevin Paredes, Cade Cowell, Quinn Sullivan Italy (4-3-1-2): • GK: Sebastiano Desplanches • DF: Mattia Zanotti, Giacomo Faticanti, Simone Pafundi, Riccardo Stivanello • MF: Cher Ndour, Samuel Giovane, Cesare Casadei • AM: Francesco Pio Esposito • FW: Tommaso Baldanzi, Antonio Raimondo Form guide and key stats • The United States owns a perfect 5-0-0 record in 2025, scoring 13 and conceding none. • Italy have alternated win-draw-loss results, but average 55 % possession, the third-best mark in the tournament. • Both teams thrive on set pieces: the U.S. have converted three corners, while Italy’s Cesare Casadei already has two headers from free-kick deliveries. Players to watch Benjamin Cremaschi (USA) – The Inter Miami midfielder leads the Americans with three goals and delivered the decisive strike against France in group play. Tommaso Baldanzi (Italy) – Empoli’s creative forward averages 3.2 key passes per 90 minutes and is Italy’s primary outlet on the counter. Tactical breakdown Expect the U.S. press to start high, forcing long balls toward Baldanzi and Esposito. If Italy’s double pivot cannot bypass the pressure, their back line may struggle against Cade Cowell’s pace in transition. Conversely, Italy will look to overload the left flank, drawing out right-back Cuevas to open central channels for late-arriving runners like Casadei. Set-piece execution could ultimately separate the sides. Injury report • USA: Defender Marcus Ferkranus (hamstring) remains sidelined, while winger Brian Gutiérrez is available after clearing concussion protocol. • Italy: Juventus prospect Luis Hasa is nursing an ankle sprain and is listed as doubtful. Prediction With momentum, defensive solidity and a deeper bench, the United States U-20s are slight favorites. However, Italy’s technical midfield can punish any lapse. Expect a tense 2-1 victory for the U.S., possibly decided in extra time. Live score and post-match coverage Follow real-time updates, highlights and full-time analysis of USA vs Italy U-20 World Cup on ESPN’s match hub.