MILAN – Donnarumma, Llamas, El Hilali, Malberti, Locatelli and Cutrone, all part of AC Milan’s Youth Sector, have helped the Italy Under-17s book their place in the quarter finals of the European Championships where they will meet France.

The Azzurri coached by Bruno Tedino have received the praise of FIGC President Tavecchio for their achievement and will be hoping to reach the semi-final stage when they take on their French counterparts on Saturday. Should they progress, it would also guarantee a place at the next World Championships in Chile in October.

Patrick Cutrone, on the score-sheet in the third and final group stage match against Holland, was interviewed by the Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport. Here are the striker’s comments: “When I train with the First Team, I have to admit that it’s very special to do so under the gaze of a striker like Inzaghi that made history with Milan and in Serie A. It’s a special feeling. I owe a lot to coach De Vecchi, but also to Galbiati and Rampoldi that brought me to Milan.”

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma also spoke to the pink paper: “I think Buffon is the idol to all youngsters that want to become goalkeepers. I am living a dream with Milan and the Italian national side. I didn’t believe I would reach these levels so soon.”