The United States rolled to a 3-0 victory over Italy at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup on Thursday, booking a quarterfinal spot with their Round of 16 triumph in Rancagua, Chile.
Inter Miami CF midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi, who’s on loan at Italian Serie A side Parma, scored twice to take the Golden Boot lead. San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Niko Tsakiris also scored his second goal of the tournament, while Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Adam Beaudry posted a shutout.
Cremaschi found a 15th-minute opener, stabbing a close-range finish past Italian goalkeeper Jacopo Seghetti after FC Dallas left back Nolan Norris’ header was saved off the line. He then added an exclamation point in the 93rd minute, chipping over Seghetti following a powerful run out of midfield.
Tsakiris ensured the US win with just over 10 minutes remaining, curling a low free-kick around the wall and inside the near post.
The Italians battled back throughout the middle stages of the match, including hitting the woodwork once, but couldn’t find a way past the US backline that included Norris and Philadelphia Union defender Frankie Westfield.
