[FM20] Stuniverse's FM20 Adventure

[Stuniverse]

Saturday 5th September 2026

Post-match: Kosovo 0-3 Italy - European League Division A Group 1 (1)

Forza Azzurri: A comfortable win to start your reign as Italy manager. Congratulations.

Stuniverse: Grazie. Si, I thought the players were magnificent and thoroughly deserved the victory today. We controlled the game from start to finish and Gianluigi Donnarumma, in our goal, was barely troubled.

Forza Azzurri: Germany came from behind at Wembley to beat England 3-2 with two late goals. The result means Italy are top of Group A.  

Stuniverse: It's pleasing to be top, of course it is, but I'd much rather be top after six games than one. With respect to Kosovo, England and Germany will be much tougher opponents.

 

 

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Edited September 7, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Deisler26]

Easy Italy win there

[Stuniverse]

13 minutes ago, Deisler26 said:

Easy Italy win there

Yes, a very comfortable win, @Deisler26. The bigger tests are yet to come 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇩🇪

[Stuniverse]

6 September 2026

THREE ITALIAN DEBUTANTS

Forza Azzurri: Simone Scotta (20-MC), Andrea Rossi (22-AML) and Nicola Corallo (22-AMR) were all handed their Italian debuts against Kosovo by Azzurri manager Stuniverse.

Rossi also scored his first goal for Italy in the 3-0 away win.

[Stuniverse]

8 September 2026

ITALY U21 QUALIFY FOR U21 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2027

[Stuniverse]

Tuesday 8th September 2026

Pre-match v England (H) - European League Division A Group 1 (2)

Match Preview

Forza Azzurri: You're English, right?

Stuniverse: Si. Born and bred in England to English parents, God rest their souls. You know that.

Forza Azzurri: Si. Sorry, but I had to confirm. How do you feel ahead of managing Italy against the Nation of your birth?

Stuniverse: I admit it's strange. Even stranger since it's only my second game in charge of Italy and my first time managing the Azzurri at home. I'm excited though... and looking forward to, hopefully, helping Italy get a good result against a very tough opponent who reached the World Cup semi-finals only a few months ago. I hope Italians, not the English, are celebrating on the final whistle.

Forza Azzurri: Should Italians be worried that you'll have torn emotions and doesn't that give rise to a conflict of interests?

Stuniverse: No. I don't think so. I may be English, but I'm a Football Manager. I manage Italy, not England, and I take that responsibility very seriously. I'm professional and the only thing I'm focusing on right now is finding a way for Italy to beat England.

Forza Azzurri: Is it easier to prepare given that you know the England team and players so well?

Stuniverse: I don't know. I'm not sure I know them that well. I've never managed in England - as you know, I started my managerial career in Scotland with Falkirk, Hibs and Celtic, before moving to Italy and Sampdoria. I've only worked with one player in the England squad, Karamoko Dembele at Celtic, so I know first-hand exactly how dangerous he can be. But, yes, I've watched the England games and I feel very well prepared.

Nicolo Barella (Italy captain):

 

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Edited September 12, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Tuesday 8th September 2026

Italy v England - European League Division A Group 1 (2)

Team Selection

Italy make THREE changes from the team that beat Kosovo 3-0.

IN: Alessio Riccardi (MC), Federico Chiesa (AMR), Sebastiano Esposito (AML).

OUT: Nicola Barella (MC-fatigued), Nicolo Corallo (AMR), Andrea Rossi (AML-fatigued).

Highlights

23 minutes.

Italy got their reward for a dominating opening spell when Sebastiano Esposito rounded off a superb passing move by the Azzurri.

28 minutes.

Italy doubled their lead five minutes later when Luca Cristiano Stassio shot, from Sebastiano Esposito's low cross, deflected in off England's John Stones.

33 minutes.

Sebastiano Esposito and Luca Cristiano Stassio combined again for Stassio to grab Italy's third goal.

34 minutes.

Italy almost went 4-0 up when left-back Luca Pellegrini saw his fierce shot bounce back off the upright.

43 minutes.

Trent Alexander-Arnold pulled one back for England with a superb free-kick.

HT: Italy 3-1 England

62 minutes.

Sebastiano Esposito made it 4-1 with a thunderbolt into the top corner from long range for his second goal of the game.

72 minutes.

Omar Lucchi added a fifth for Italy from outside the penalty area.

73 minutes.

Italy substitute Nicolo Corallo made it six, burying Luca Pellegrini's cross in the bottom corner with a left-footed volley.

83 minutes.

Karamoko Dembele grabbed a consolation for England wit a stunning, individual goal.

FT: Italy 6-2 England

Italy stunned World Cup semi-finalists England with a convincing victory.

 

 

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[Stuniverse]

Tuesday 8th September 2026

Post-match: Italy 6-2 England - European League Division A Group 1 (2)

Forza Azzurri: Well I didn't see that result coming. Congratulations.

Stuniverse: Grazie. Grazie. Tonight was an unbelievable game. The atmosphere inside the Olimpico here in Rome was electric. It was incredible. I really want to thank the Italian fans for their amazing support. We all appreciate it.

Forza Azzurri: You scored six goals against the World Cup semi-finalists. Nobody expected that.

Stuniverse: No. We certainly didn't. England are a very good team. We knew that, you don't reach a World Cup semi-final if you're not a very good team. But we also felt they were vulnerable, you can get at them, we saw that when they lost the semi-final 5-4 to the USA after leading three times. We saw it again a few days ago when they lost 3-2 to Germany after leading 2-1 with barely five minutes to go. We asked the players to play on the front foot, to take the game to England and put them under pressure, and they did that... and then some. The whole of Italy should be proud of our players tonight because they were sensational.

Forza Azzurri: How does it feel to be labelled a traitor by the English press.

Stuniverse: Maybe I'll need to stay in Italy permanently [laughs]. Look, things get taken out of all proportion in football and losing football games hurts. Things get said in the heat of the moment. I'm not worried by any of that. We're going to savour this victory and enjoy it, then we're going to prepare for the next round of games.

Forza Azzurri: In a big surprise tonight, Germany could only draw with Kosovo so Italy top the Group by two points.

Stuniverse: That is a surprise. We still have four games to play though, including Germany twice and England at Wembley. So let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Forza Azzuri: Congratulations, again.

Stuniverse: Grazie. Prego.

 

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Edited September 12, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Deisler26]

A fantastic result! Well done!

[Stuniverse]

15 minutes ago, Deisler26 said:

A fantastic result! Well done!

Thank you, @Deisler26. England fans might not agree though

[rodesire]

grazie ragazzi!

[Stuniverse]

1 hour ago, rodesire said:

grazie ragazzi!

Prego, @rodesire

[Stuniverse]

9 September 2026

CORALLO SCORES FIRST GOAL FOR ITALY

[Stuniverse]

27 September 2026

ITALY SQUAD GIVEN CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH

Forza Azzurri: As Italy manager Stuniverse prepares to pick his squad for the next round of two European League Division A Group 1 matches, he has no injury worries to concern him.

Edited September 12, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

1 October 2026

NO CHANGES TO ITALY SQUAD

Forza Azzurri: Italy manager Stuniverse has made no changes to the 23-man squad for the upcoming European League Division A Group 1 home fixtures against Germany and Kosovo.

Edited September 12, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Thursday 8th October 2026

Pre-match v Germany (H) - European League Division A Group 1 (3)

Match Preview

Forza Azzurri: Having won your first two matches in the Group, a win against Germany will almost secure your qualification for the semi-finals?

Stuniverse: We'll only be at the midway point so a win tonight won't secure anything but, you're right, a win would put us in a fantastic position, five points clear of Germany with nine points to play for. Of course, Germany are no mugs and they know if they win they'll go above us. Clearly, we'll be doing everything we can to win the game.

Forza Azzurri: You've gone with the same 23-man squad as played against Kosovo and England. Were you tempted to make any changes?

Stuniverse: No, not really. After 3-0 and 6-2 victories last time out there wasn't any reason to change. There were a couple of players who missed out on the squad last time through injury we checked up on, but they sill aren't fit enough to play for their clubs so there wasn't a decision to make.

Forza Azzurri: You beat England 6-2 last time out in the Olimpico in Rome. Tonight you'll play in Bologna in the Renato Dall'Ara. You've experienced first-hand now the vociferous home Italian support. How was it?

Stuniverse: In the Olimpico the atmosphere was electric and I'm sure it'll be the same in the Renato Dall'Ara. It's an honour for my players to pull on the Azzurri shirt and represent Italy and the supporters can play their part by getting behind the players and spurring them on.

Forza Azzurri: Will you be sticking with the team that demolished England?

Stuniverse: The player were magnificent against England but, sorry, you'll have to wait and see on that.

Alex Meret (Italy):

 

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[Stuniverse]

Thursday 8th October 2026

Italy v Germany - European League Division A Group 1 (3)

Team Selection

Italy make TWO changes.

IN: Nicolo Barella (MC), Andrea Rossi (AMR).

OUT: Alessio Riccardi (MC), Federico Chiesa (AMR-fatigued)

Highlights

Neither team was able to break the deadlock in an even first-half.

HT: Italy 0-0 Germany

Italy made a substitution during the break bringing Federico Chiesa on for Andrea Rossi.

87 minutes.

Germany came close to taking the lead when Beutel's shot rattled the post.

88 minutes.

Luca Cristiano Stassio ran with the ball into the penalty area and was tripped by Konig. PENALTY.

Nicolo Zaniolo stepped up...

... and converted the spot-kick to give Italy the lead with time running out.

89 minutes.

Italy changed to a VERY DEFENSIVE 4-2-1-3 DM Wide system.

90+2 minutes.

With Germany pressing forward for an equaliser, Federico Chiesa won the ball deep in his own half, Fabio Depaoli launched a long ball forward, and Luca Cristiano Stassio took it in his stride, ran into the penalty area, and dispatched a well placed shot past Ogrinc in Germany's goal.

FT: Italy 2-0 Germany

Italy left it late, and rode their luck at times, but ended up beating Germany 2-0 to take a five point lead at the top of the European League Division A Group 1.

 

 

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Edited September 12, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Thursday 8th October 2026

Post-match: Italy 2-0 Germany - European League Division A Group 1 (3)

Forza Azzurri: A quite incredible victory to give you three wins out of three at the start of your reign as Italy manager. Congratulations.

Stuniverse: Grazie. It was a very close, very tight game as we expected. I think, in the end, we had more stamina and wanted it a little bit more than they did.

Forza Azzurri: Would it be fair to say the game swung in the 87th and 88th minutes?

Stuniverse: I don't know, to be honest, a game is played over 90 minutes and there were a number of near misses and good saves for both teams but, si, those two minutes late in the game were very dramatic. First Breutel did fantastically well for Germany, his shot beat Gianluigi Donnarumma, and, fortunately for us, bounced back off the post. From the rebound, we gained possession, counter-attacked down the right-wing, and Luca Cristiano Stassio got tripped and Nicolo Zaniolo scored from the spot.

Forza Azzurri: You started Andrea Rossi out of position on the right-wing and then substituted him at half-time. What was that all about?

Stuniverse: I know. I've apologised to Andrea because we weren't very fair to him. Andrea's a left-winger but we'd already decided to start Sebastiano Esposito there. Both of our right-wingers Federico Chiesa and Nicolo Corallo were looking a bit jaded and we didn't think either of them would last 90 minutes. Rather than giving them both 45 minutes, we decided to start Andrea Rossi. Unfortunately, Andrea wasn't able to get into the game so we ended up making a change during the break in any case.

Forza Azzurri: Germany had more possession and more attempts on goal than you. Did you get away with one tonight?

Stuniverse: I don't think so. No. I thought attempts wise there wasn't much in it. Yes, Germany had a lot more possession than we did but possession doesn't mean anything on its own, it's what you do with it that counts. There's only one stat that really matters. We scored two goals and they didn't score any.

 

 

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Edited September 12, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Sunday 11th October 2026

Pre-match v Kosovo (H) - European League Division A Group 1 (4)

Match Preview

Forza Azzurri: You're off to the Renzo Barbera - La Favorita in Palermo to play Kosovo. Have you managed there before?

Stuniverse: No. Palermo were in Serie B last season so this'll be my first visit to the Renzo Barbera - La Favorita. I'm looking forward to it. Italy is a very welcoming country and everybody has been so friendly since we've been here. I like the fact that the Italian FA share the games around. It gives more supporters the opportunity to watch their National team live and allows me the chance to see so much more of your beautiful country.

Forza Azzurri: With a five point lead, and only three matches left, you can qualify for the semi-finals if you beat Kosovo today and Germany fail to win.

Stuniverse: Si. We can and that's a brilliant position for us to be in. We can't control or influence what happens in the Germany - England game. We have to focus 100% on our game against Kosovo and make sure we get the job done by playing our part.

Forza Azzurri: Kosovo are bottom of the Group, and you won 3-0 away in Kosovo, which makes you hot favourites for the victory the whole of Italy expects today.

Stuniverse: I can see why people think that but we won't be under-estimating Kosovo. They drew 1-1 with Germany, remember, so they're no mugs and have to be respected. We'll give Kosovo the same respect we give any team we play but, si, we are confident of securing a positive result.

Forza Azzurri: Is this perhaps an opportunity to give playing time to some of the squad players who haven't played much for you yet?

Stuniverse: Possibly, but first and foremost I'll pick a team to win the football game. I haven't decided on the starting lineup yet and, before I do, we need to assess how the players have recovered after a hard fought victory against Germany.

Nicolo Corallo (Italy):

 

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Edited September 13, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Sunday 11th October 2026

Italy v Kosovo - European League Division A Group 1 (4)

Team Selection

Italy make SIX changes.

IN: Alex Meret (GK), Nicolo Armini (DC), Antonino Gallo (DL), Alessio Riccardi (MC), Simone Scotta (MC), Federico Chiesa (AMR).

OUT: Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK), Alessio Romagnoli (DC), Luca Pellegrini (DL-fatigued), Nicolo Barella (MC-fatigued), Nicolo Zaniolo (MC-fatigued), Sebastiano Esposito (AML).

Highlights

35 minutes.

Andrea Rossi headed Italy into the lead from Federico Chiesa's corner.

45+1 minutes.

Andrea Rossi scored his second goal just before the break, heading in Alessio Riccardi's cross.

HT: Italy 2-0 Kosovo

Italy continued to dominate after the break but were unable to add a third goal.

FT: Italy 2-0 Kosovo

Italy ended up comfortable 2-0 winners over Kosovo, giving manager Stuniverse four-wins-out-of-four so far - a perfect start to his reign as manager of Italy.

 

 

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[Stuniverse]

Sunday 11th October 2026

Post-match: Italy 2-0 Kosovo - European League Division A Group 1 (4)

Forza Azzurri: Congratulations on another win - that's four-out-of-four now. A perfect start.

Stuniverse: Si, grazie.

Forza Azzurri: What do you put it down to?

Stuniverse: Well, after Italy's disappointing World Cup campaign we knew we had to freshen up the squad and we made some very tough, but necessary decisions ahead of our first squad selection. I also think it helped that I'd been working in Italy for a year at Sampdoria, had embraced the Italian culture, and that I'd taken the trouble to learn to speak your language.

Forza Azzurri: Your Italian is very good.

Stuniverse: Grazie. But I think the players need to take a lot of the credit. They are a very talented bunch of players but they're still willing to learn. We didn't have much time with them before our first round of games but they adapted very quickly to the way we wanted them to play.

Forza Azzurri: After Rossi's disappointing 45 minutes against Germany, he was your match winner today with both goals.

Stuniverse: Si. Two magnificent headers. I was delighted for Andrea Rossi. As I said after the Germany game, we hadn't been very fair to him, playing him out of position and then taking him off at half-time. I wanted to play him in his natural left-wing role and give him an opportunity to remind everybody that he's a quality player. It says a lot about Andrea that he did exactly that.

Forza Azzurri: Are you disappointed that you couldn't add to your goal tally in the second-half?

Stuniverse: We won the game, comfortably, and apart from a first-minute header that flew narrowly over the bar, Kosovo never looked like scoring. I've got to be happy with that. Their goalkeeper, Murcic, made a couple of fine saves after the break. I'm more than happy with the three points and the way my players played.

Forza Azzurri: Three points that sees you win the Group and qualify for the semi-finals with two matches to spare. Congratulations again.

Stuniverse: Grazie. We knew going in that this was an incredibly difficult Group with England and Germany so to have already qualified after four of six games is an incredible achievement. As I've said before, I've been so impressed with both the quality and the work ethic of this squad of players. They deserve all the credit and plaudits coming their way.

 

 

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[Stuniverse]

12 October 2026

IS ANDERSON SET TO SWITCH ALLEGIANCES TO ITALY?

Forza Azzurri: Reports out of France suggest that LOSC Lille's 27 year-old midfielder Andre Anderson could be about to give up on his dream of playing for Brazil and switch his allegiances to Italy.

Edited September 13, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

12 October 2026

GALLO THANKS STUNIVERSE

Forza Azzurri: Sampdoria's 26 year-old left-back Antonino Gallo has thanked manager Stuniverse after winning his first cap for Italy against Kosovo. Stuniverse knows Gallo well after the left-back played 35 Serie A matches for Stuniverse at Sampdoria last season.

So far, Gallo is the only Sampdoria player Stuniverse has called up to the Italian National squad.

Edited September 13, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

12 October 2026

Out of interest...

... let's see how my previous clubs Falkirk, Hibernian, Celtic and Sampdoria are doing so far this season.

Serie A

Scottish Premiership

Scottish Championship

[Stuniverse]

5 November 2026

TWO CHANGES TO ITALY SQUAD

Forza Azzurri: Italy manager Stuniverse made two changes to his National squad. 22 year-old defensive midfielder Matteo Colombo comes in after recovering from  a knee injury as does 22 year-old midfielder Stefano Vallini after getting over a hip injury. Missing out are 25 year-old defensive midfielder Alessio Riccardi and 20 year-old midfielder Simone Scotta.

INS:

OUTS:

MISSING OUT:

[Stuniverse]

Thursday 12th November 2026

Pre-match v Germany (a) - European League Division A Group 1 (5)

Match Preview

Forza Azzurri: After beating Germany 2-0 at home, are you confident of keeping your 100% winning record going in Germany?

Stuniverse: We were superb against Germany at the Renato Dall' Ara in Bologna and that gives us confidence going into this game. Of course, we all know how football works, winning runs won't go on forever, but we're determined to get a good result at the Olympiastadion in Berlin and keep this one going.

Forza Azzurri: Having already qualified, will you be going with a strong lineup in your usual 4-3-3 or is this a good opportunity to experiment either with formation, or personnel, or both?

Stuniverse: We're focussed on winning the game against Germany and we'll select the team and style of play that gives us the best chance of achieving that.

Forza Azzurri: Isn't there a danger of this match being an anti-climax and something of a damp squib now that you've qualified?

Stuniverse: No. We want to win. We've beaten Germany once already and we want to beat them again so that they know we have the upper-hand over them.

Forza Azzurri: You've called up Colombo who's previously only represented Italy in the younger age groups. What do you see in him?

Stuniverse: I think Matteo Colomo is a fantastic player. He's already a regular starter for AC Milan and I think it's time to integrate him into the senior National squad.

Pietro Pellegri (Italy):

 

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[Stuniverse]

Thursday 12th November 2026

Germany v Italy - European League Division A Group 1 (5)

Team Selection

Italy make FOUR changes.

IN: Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK), Davide Calabria (DR), Nicola Barella (MC), Stefano Vallini (MC).

OUT: Alex Meret (GK), Fabio Depaoli (DR-ankle ligaments), Alessio Riccardi (MC-not in squad), Simone Scotta (MC-not in squad).

Highlights

3 minutes.

Germany took an early lead when Binder headed in Geipl's corner at the near post.

11 minutes.

Beimer made it 2-0 to Germany after Italy failed to clear a corner, with Gianluca Mancini's header lacking distance.

HT: Germany 2-0 Italy

Italy made two changes - Luca Pellegrini (DL) and Sebastiano Esposito (AML) for Antonino Gallo (DL) and Andrea Rossi (AML) and changed to an ATTACKING 4-3-3.

51 minutes.

Luca Cristiano Stassio took advantage of hesitation between Germany's goalkeeper Pfeiffer and defender Vass to pull one back and give Italy a lifeline.

60 minutes.

Germany went close to restoring their two-goal lead but Geipl's shot hit the post.

71 minutes.

Italy changed to an ATTACKING 4-4-2 by bringing Pietro Pellegri (SC) on for Omzar Lucchi (MC).

85 minutes.

Italy changed to a slightly more direct VERY ATTACKING 4-4-2.

FT: Germany 2-1 Italy

Stuniverse suffered his first defeat as manager of Italy.

 

 

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Edited September 13, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Thursday 12th November 2026

Post-match: Germany 2-1 Italy - European League Division A Group 1 (5)

Forza Azzurri: That was your first loss as Italy manager. How does it feel?

Stuniverse: It hurts. It hurts a lot. Compared to club football, as we don't play that many games, losing hurts a lot more or at least that's how it feels right now.

Forza Azzurri: What do you put it down to?

Stuniverse: I'm disappointed because we didn't do ourselves justice out there. We were slow out of the blocks and were a goal down before we'd even woken up. Then we defended a corner badly, which isn't like us, and we were 2-0 down after only 11 minutes. We played better after that, particularly after the break when we changed a few things, and pulled a goal back through Luca Cristiano Stassio, but you can't give a team as strong as Germany a two-goal lead and expect to get anything out of the game. We have to learn from this and do better next time. 

Forza Azzurri: How have the players reacted to the defeat?

Stuniverse: The players are very dejected, as you'd expect, and they know they let the supporters down. But we'll get over it and be ready for the England game.

 

 

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[Stuniverse]

Sunday 15th November 2026

Pre-match v England (a) - European League Division A Group 1 (6)

Match Preview

Forza Azzurri: Today's game against England brings the European League Division A Group 1 to a close. As you've already won the Group, and qualified for the semi-finals, will you be taking this one less seriously given there's nothing at stake?

Stuniverse: No. Of course, not. We have our professional pride to play for and, having not done ourselves justice against Germany last time out, we want to set the record straight and get back to winning ways.

Forza Azzurri: After putting six past England in a 6-2 rout last time, the English will be out for revenge, won't they?

Stuniverse: I would imagine so, si. They're a much better team than that scoreline suggests. It's only a few months ago that they reached the World Cup semi-final. It will be a very difficult game at Wembley but we're determined to perform much better than we did last time in the 2-1 defeat to Germany.

Forza Azzurri: This is the second time you'll have managed Italy against the country of your birth. What are you expecting?

Stuniverse: I would imagine it'll be emotional and the England supporters will give me a lot of stick, I'd imagine. But I've faced hostile situations before. I managed Celtic at Ibrox Stadium against Rangers, managed Hibernian at Tynecastle Park against Hearts and, most disorientating at all, I managed Sampdoria against Genoa in Stadio Luigi Ferraris, a Stadium we shared so everything was familiar, but different with us using the away dressing room and the away dugout. I was professional in those games and didn't let the occasion get to me. I'll need to do the same at Wembley.

Forza Azzurri: Will you be making any changes from the team that lost to Germany?

Stuniverse: I expect so, si.

Luca Pellegrini (Italy):

 

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[Stuniverse]

Sunday 15th November 2026

England v Italy - European League Division A Group 1 (6)

Team Selection

Italy make SEVEN changes.

IN: Fabio Depaoli (DR), Alessio Romagnoli (DC), Luca Pellegrini (DL), Nicolo Zaniolo (MC), Nicolo Corallo (AMR), Sebastiano Esposito (AML), Pietro Pellegri (SC).

OUT: Davide Calabria (DR-fatigued), Nicolo Armini (DC), Antonino Gallo (DL), Nicola Barella (MC-fatigued), Federico Chiesa (AMR-fatigued), Andrea Rossi (AML), Luca Cristiano Stassio (SC-fatigued).

Highlights

15 minutes.

Marcus Rashford gave England the lead after brilliant work by Barrie Potts-Jacobs.

18 minutes.

Italy hit back almost immediately with Pietro Pellegri heading in Luca Pellegrini's corner.

36 minutes.

Italy went ahead for the first time in the game when Gianluca Mancini headed home Fabio Depaoli's free-kick at the far post.

HT: England 1-2 Italy

64 minutes.

Matty Lewis equalised for England, heading in Trent Alexander-Arnold's cross.

73 minutes.

Substitute Andrea Rossi restored Italy's lead, heading Nicola Corallo's cross in off the underside of the crossbar.

74 minutes.

Italy changed to a VERY DEFENSIVE 4-2-3-1 DM system.

90 minutes.

Italy broke away and Pietro Pellegri scored his second goal of the game after Nicolo Corallo put him clean through with a delightful defence splitting pass.

FT: England 2-4 Italy

Italy returned to winning ways with a superb away victory at Wembley.

 

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[Stuniverse]

Sunday 15th November 2026

Post-match: England 2-4 Italy - European League Division A Group 1 (6)

Nigel Adkins (England manager):

Forza Azzurri: A good away win to finish the Group with five wins out of six and qualification for the semi-finals. What's your reaction to your European League Division A Group campaign?

Stuniverse: I'm thrilled. Going in, we knew we had a very difficult Group with both England and Germany ranked above us so to win the Group, with two games to spare, was a fantastic achievement and shows what this Italian squad is capable of. I'm proud of all the players and the people of Italy should be as well.

Forza Azzurri: And congratulations on getting back to a winning habit after the defeat in Germany.

Stuniverse: Grazie. We were very disappointed to lose to Germany. Not so much the defeat, although that did hurt, but the manner of the defeat. Credit to Germany, but we felt we didn't help ourselves and being two-goals down after 11 minutes was, to a large extent, self-inflicted. Losing can easily become a habit, so I'm delighted by the spirit and character the players showed to brush that off and bounce back with a victory over England. 

Forza Azzurri: You had to come from behind though at Wembley?

Stuniverse: Si. We did. Away from home, against the top nations, we're going to come under pressure at the start of the game. I thought we started much better at Wembley than we did in Berlin and it was end to end. The first goal could have gone either way. Unfortunately, it went for England. We saw after that the spirit and character in this squad, not to mention the togetherness and quality, and the players responded magnificently to equalise within three minutes and then to go on and win the game quite comfortably I thought.

Forza Azzurri: The English fans didn't like it very much and gave you a hard time with chants of "traitor" and "Judas".

Stuniverse: Look, that's understandable. Nobody likes to lose football games, particularly at home. England have gone from World Cup semi-finalists to third in the Group in a matter of months, losing to us twice in a short space of time. Then they look at the Italian dugout and they don't see an Italian managing Italy, they see an Englishman. I get it. I don't like it, but I get it. On a personal note, I hope we don't have to play England very often.

Forza Azzurri: France and Spain have already qualified for the semi-finals and, incredibly, Belgium, Switzerland and Croatia can all still qualify from Group 4. As the reigning European Nations League Champions, can Italy go on and retain the Trophy?

Stuniverse: It's going to be a big ask, and the other three semi-finalists will be very good teams, they wouldn't have qualified otherwise. It will be a difficult challenge for us, but one we're confident and ready to embrace.

 

 

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[Deisler26]

Another big win over England

[TheMadMonk]

Are England still persevering with Harry Kane up front and Eric Dier in Midfield ? ,Or has the Spurs love-in stopped by 2026 ?

 

- also have they given the managers job to Chris Wilder or Sean Dyche yet

 

 

[Stuniverse]

On 17/09/2020 at 12:15, TheMadMonk said:

Are England still persevering with Harry Kane up front and Eric Dier in Midfield ? ,Or has the Spurs love-in stopped by 2026 ?

@TheMadMonk, a 33 year-old Harry Kane is now playing midfield for England. Eric Dier (32) no longer gets selected for the England squad.

On 17/09/2020 at 12:15, TheMadMonk said:

- also have they given the managers job to Chris Wilder or Sean Dyche yet

Nigel Adkins is the current England manager...

Edited September 24, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

On 17/09/2020 at 02:46, Deisler26 said:

Another big win over England

Yes, @Deisler26, Italy have beaten England 10-4 on aggregate across two games - hopefully we won't have to play England again any time soon.

Edited September 24, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

SAVE UPDATE

Apologies for the radio silence. I've been busy at work, and busy with the FM21 research, and I’ve also been a bit low about things - suddenly hit home that for the rest of my life, however long or short that may be, I’ll have to live it as an adult orphan without my parents around. Being an only child, with nobody who shared experiences growing up in the family home to discuss them with, I’ve found things particularly difficult these last few weeks.

Any way, with a November 24th release date announced for FM21 (earlier than I expected), I’m going to continue updating this FM20 Adventure save on here, but in less detail (apologies), and rattle through and see how far I can get... before FM21 comes out.

I hope you and your families are well and keeping safe.

Best wishes,

Stuniverse

Edited September 24, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Fudal]

2 hours ago, Stuniverse said:

SAVE UPDATE

Apologies for the radio silence. I've been busy at work, and busy with the FM21 research, and I’ve also been a bit low about things - suddenly hit home that for the rest of my life, however long or short that may be, I’ll have to live it as an adult orphan without my parents around. Being an only child, with nobody who shared experiences growing up in the family home to discuss them with, I’ve found things particularly difficult these last few weeks.

Any way, with a November 24th release date announced for FM21 (earlier than I expected), I’m going to continue updating this FM20 Adventure save on here, but in less detail (apologies), and rattle through and see how far I can get... before FM21 comes out.

I hope you and your families are well and keeping safe.

Best wishes,

Stuniverse

We’re all with you during this time <3 don’t ever think you’re bothering anybody in here with a PM just to have someone to talk to!

[Stuniverse]

5 minutes ago, Fudal said:

We’re all with you during this time <3 don’t ever think you’re bothering anybody in here with a PM just to have someone to talk to!

Thanks, @Fudal. Much appreciated.

[rodesire]

sorry to hear about you struggling @Stuniverse  Hope you can pick yourself up soon, take care of yourself and take it easy, mate

[Stuniverse]

30 November 2026

ITALY DRAW CROATIA IN THE SEMI-FINALS

Edited September 26, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

On 25/09/2020 at 09:03, rodesire said:

sorry to hear about you struggling @Stuniverse  Hope you can pick yourself up soon, take care of yourself and take it easy, mate

Thank you, @rodesire. I appreciate that.

[Stuniverse]

18 December 2026

ITALY TO HOST PERU IN FRIENDLY

[Stuniverse]

14 February 2027

STUNIVERSE REJECTS AUSTRALIA APPROACH

[karanhsingh]

Been following this thread, I always enjoy reading about your saves and fm adventures. Keep up all the good work mate. 

[Stuniverse]

50 minutes ago, karanhsingh said:

Been following this thread, I always enjoy reading about your saves and fm adventures. Keep up all the good work mate. 

Thank you, @karanhsingh. Very kind of you to say. Glad you enjoy my FM adventures.

[Stuniverse]

13 March 2027

NO INJURY CONCERNS FOR ITALIA

[Stuniverse]

17 March 2027

STUNIVERSE PICKS UNCHANGED ITALIA SQUAD

Edited September 27, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

18 March 2027

CLUBS WITHDRAW THREE ITALIA PLAYERS

Forza Azzurri: Gianluca Mancini (Juventus), Pietro Pellegri (Inter) and Federico Chiesa (Chelsea) have been withdrawn by their clubs from the Italia squad to play Peru. None of the players are thought to be injured.

In their place, manager Stuniverse has called up Davide Bettella, Lorenzo Di Nardo and Guilio Albergati.

[Stuniverse]

Wednesday 24th March 2027

Pre-match v Peru (H) - Friendly

Match Preview

Forza Azzurri: What are your thoughts on Juventus, Inter and Chelsea withdrawing Mancini, Pellegri and Chiesa?

Stuniverse: Well I'm not happy about it. I managed International players at Hibs, Celtic and Sampdoria and I always felt proud when they were called up to represent their Nations. Sure, there's a risk they'll get injured on international duty but the thought of withdrawing them when they weren't injured never, ever entered my head. In my book, it's just plain wrong. As it's a friendly, other clubs have asked we don't play their players for more than 45 minutes, something I never did either, but they haven't withdrawn their players. Why couldn't Juventus, Inter and Chelsea have at least had the courtesy and good manners to do that?

Forza Azzurri: You called up Bettella, Di Nardo and Albergati to replace them. Will you be giving them playing time?

Stuniverse: Davide Bettella, Lorenzo Di Nardo and Guilio Albergati are here now, we might as well take a look at them. Who knows, if they do well Gianluca Mancini, Pietro Pellegri and Federico Chiesa may not get back in the squad.

Forza Azzurri: You picked a fairly consistent starting 11 in the European Nations Group. Will you be looking to experiment in the friendly against Peru?

Stuniverse: Si. I think it's a good opportunity to take a closer look at some of the players who haven't played for Italia much during my short time as manager.

Forza Azzurri: Are you looking forward to playing at Stadio San Nicola, Bari?

Stuniverse: Si. I think it's a great thing that the Italian FA move the international fixtures around the country. I've never been to Stadio San Nicola in Bari before but I'm sure the crowd will be right behind us, cheering us on against Peru.

Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy):

 

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[Stuniverse]

Wednesday 24th March 2027

Italy v Peru - Friendly

Team Selection

Italy made EIGHT changes.

IN: Matteo Passerini (gk), Davide Calabria (DR), Davide Bettella (DC), Antonino Gallo (DL), Matteo Colombo (MC), Guilio Albergati (AMR), Andrea Rossi (AML), Lorenzo Di Nardo (SC).

OUT: Gianluigi Donnarumma (gk), Fabio Depaoli (DR), Gianluca Mancini (DC-withdrawn), Luca Pellegrini (DL), Omar Lucchi (MC), Nicolo Corallo (AMR), Sebastiano Esposito (AML), Pietro Pellegri (SC-withdrawn).

Highlights

18 minutes.

Guilio Albergati gave Italy the lead, with his first goal for his country, heading in Andrea Rossi's cross from a tight angle at the far post.

HT: Italy 1-0 Peru

Italy made FOUR substitutions during the break.

88 minutes.

Nicolo Corallo rounds off a sublime passing move to double Italy's lead with a powerful shot into the bottom corner.

FT: Italy 2-0 Peru

Italy ran out comfortable winners against their South American opponents. 

 

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